CHANGE MY LOCATION
Local
California News
Multimedia News
City at risk seeks security funds
SEE THE LATEST ON THIS STORY
Related Topics: SAN FRANCISCO
)
Rescue effort: Emergency management agencies are soliciting money from the Department of Homeland Security to assist in the event of a Bay Area disaster.
SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - The scenarios range from the unimaginably grim to the uncomfortably possible.
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake that could kill 6,000 people, damage 1 million buildings, and leave an economic impact of $100 billion.
An aerosol anthrax attack in downtown San Francisco that could expose 330,000 people, killing 99 percent of those who are untreated.
A 10-kiloton nuclear warhead dropped on a major city in the Bay Area, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the evacuation of 500,000 people.
Each horrific outcome is being considered by local officials, according to Vicki Hennessey, acting executive director of the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management, the agency in charge of overseeing The City’s emergency plans as well as the regional effort to secure and spend federal Homeland Security dollars earmarked for urban cities.
In May, the region submitted to the federal government its wish list of $112 million worth of emergency preparation needs — from personnel to equipment — and is expected to hear how much funding it received this summer.
“There is no way of truly knowing when a disaster could strike,” Hennessey said. “The potential is there for everything, which is why we have to be prepared for any possibility.”
The Department of Homeland Security listed the Bay Area as one of the seven regions in the country with the highest risk of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. The combination of the Bay Area’s numerous critical infrastructure sites, iconic landmarks, urban density and economic output make it a Tier I target, according to DHS officials.
The $112 million the region is requesting is part of the Urban Area Security Initiative grant, annually doled out to local governments since 2003 by the Department of Homeland Security. The grants are supposed to be used for measures to prepare and protect areas from terrorist threats, natural disaster or other unforeseen accidents. Sixty regions will qualify for the $781 million in UASI funds available this year, according to federal officials, but the lion’s share will go to the seven areas most at risk.
Included in the Bay Area’s UASI grant proposal is $47 million to create an all-encompassing regional communication system, able to connect and coordinate various Bay Area towns and cities in the wake of a devastating terrorist attack or earthquake, according toHennessey.
An additional $12 million is sought to purchase rescue equipment resistant to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear outbreaks, according to Hennessey.
Hennessey conceded that the $112 million the region is requesting this year — nearly 15 percent of the $781 million total — is unlikely to be met by the federal government. Last year, the Bay Area was awarded $34 million, after requesting $96 million in funding.
Comments from Examiner Readers
11:53 PM MST on Wed., Aug. 6, 2008 re: "Laptop loss snarls TSA program"
Report as inappropriate
1:01 PM MST on Thu., Jul. 24, 2008
re: "Homeland Security facilities getting new access system"
Report as inappropriate
11:36 AM MST on Thu., Jul. 24, 2008
re: "Homeland Security facilities getting new access system"
Report as inappropriate
10:15 AM MST on Thu., Jul. 24, 2008
re: "Marine vessel to help protect Anne Arundel County against terrorist attacks"
Report as inappropriate
5:30 AM MST on Mon., Jul. 14, 2008
re: "Area grouping shrinks funds for The City"
Report as inappropriate
10:55 AM MST on Sat., Jul. 28, 2007
re: "Congress Sends Security Bill to Bush"
Report as inappropriate
6:08 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 27, 2007
re: "Congress Sends Security Bill to Bush"
Report as inappropriate
6:02 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 27, 2007
re: "Congress Sends Security Bill to Bush"
Report as inappropriate
3:44 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 27, 2007
re: "Congress Sends 9/11 Bill to Bush"
Report as inappropriate
Examiner Reader said:
You reporters need to stop making this story bigger then what the story really is and put real information not false information to get the members of travelers program scared.This is the best program I have ever spent my money and I thank CLEAR for making my travel less of a headache.
8 agree | 2 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Not all services within DoD are utilizing. Costs implemented to private companies/contractors will in turn cost the government come time for contract renewals. System not HSPD-12 compliant and company not liable for misinformation given from background checks.
3 agree | 3 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
When and where did the competition for this acquisition occur? Why is DHS implementing a solution that is not compliant with HDPD-12 requirements?
4 agree | 2 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
I am relieved to know that Anne Arundel County is safe from terrorist attacks. Maybe, just maybe, the focus should be on local crime and drug interdiction.
3 agree | 3 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
The 20% retained by the State must be used for the direct benefit of the urban area. Only 3% can be used for management and adminsitration.
4 agree | 4 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Congress does everything under the sun to try to sabatoge our security, then sends him a bill asking for security? Send in the clowns! Forget it. They're already here!!!!
213 agree | 199 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
It's the same bill.
171 agree | 190 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
There's $3 billion worth in the Homeland Security Spending bill currently on its way to the House. It includes fence funding, border agent money and a bunch of other good stuff. The amendment containing the border money passed 89-1. Bush has said he will veto the bill - claiming "irresponsible spending" - I guess he would know - but most on the hill think that both houses have enough votes to override. Let's freakin' hope so!
180 agree | 196 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Me said:
When are they going to do something about the Mexican border? I mean protecting the ports, etc. is a joke!
180 agree | 139 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree