President George W. Bush on Feb. 4 designated $3.5 billion of the proposed fy 2003 budget to the First Responder Initiative program, designed to strengthen homeland security.

The funding, to be administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, represents a greater than ten-fold increase in federal resources. The initiative would help fund costs for anti-terrorism measures, based on what states, cities and counties decide they need to implement plans.

The plan would move future funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, funded at $360 million for fy 2002, into the new initiative as well as transfer some funding from the Department of Justice to fema.

Data from the White House indicates the initiative is intended to encourage mutual aid across the country so that local, state, federal, volunteer and civilian entities can operate together effectively. Another aim is to establish a process for evaluating the effort to strengthen response capabilities.

To achieve these objectives, fema would implement a procedure designed to speed the flow of resources to states and localities. The funds are to be used for the following activities:

1. Planning

   The program would support state and local governments in developing comprehensive plans to prepare for and respond to a terrorist attack.

2. Equipment

   The program would allow state and local first responder agencies to purchase ppe, chemical and biological detection systems, and interoperable communications gear needed to respond effectively to a terrorist attack.

3. Training

   The initiative also will provide resources to train firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians to respond and operate in a chemical or biological environment.

4. Exercises

   The program will support a coordinated, regular exercise program to improve response capabilities, practice mutual aid and assess operational improvements and deficiencies.

The plan already has received negative feedback from a number of organizations that object to consolidating the fire grant program with the proposed counter-terrorism program.

The president's budget request is only a proposal. Over the next few months, both the House and Senate will conduct hearings on sections of the budget.