Dateline: July 17, 2003

State sending $45k in security funds

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Donley County and the City of Clarendon will receive funds totaling $45,111 as part of the national effort to improve homeland security and emergency preparedness during the War on Terror.

Gov. Rick Perry announced recently that more than 700 local governments will be receiving $84.2 million for anti-terrorism equipment and homeland security planning. Donley County will get $18,459; and the City of Clarendon will be awarded $26,652.

The Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), based in College Station at Texas A&M University, sent notices to 733 cities and counties announcing their share of the federal homeland security funding allocated to Texas.

City Administrator Sean Pate said no decision has been made yet on how Clarendon’s grant money will be spent, and County Judge Jack Hall said the county has likewise not made that decision.

“Local leaders and state officials in Texas have developed a regional approach to homeland security that allows us to maximize coordination and resources,” Perry said. “These grants will help our communities purchase decontamination equipment, hazmat suits and other equipment to support their response plans.”

The governor noted that the state’s comprehensive and regional approach to homeland security planning resulted in this federal funding being more widely distributed than previous funding for emergency and first responder services.

“The local governments receiving these grants represent more than 90 percent of the population of Texas,” Perry said. “Our communities have done an excellent job working together to develop comprehensive plans to protect both rural and metropolitan areas.”

In order to qualify for the funding, local jurisdictions had to complete an assessment of risks and needs. The assessments also were used by TEEX and the regional councils of government to help determine the distribution of grant funds.

Local governments will be receiving instructions on allowable purchases under the grant program. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Domestic Preparedness sets guidelines for the program and must approve all equipment purchases made with the grants.

Both Pate and Hall have received notice of a July 30 meeting in Amarillo that will outline proper use of the funds.