RD164 - Review of Homeland Security Funding and Preparedness in Virginia


Executive Summary:
At its December 2004 meeting, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) directed staff to conduct a review of homeland security funding and preparedness in Virginia. Staff were directed to determine: the amount Virginia has received in homeland security grants; whether the grant money was distributed to localities and State agencies in accordance with their critical needs; the obstacles that State agencies and localities confront when attempting to obtain the grants; the adequacy of the resources and authority of the Office of Commonwealth Preparedness to direct the coordination of homeland security efforts; the oversight mechanisms in place to ensure that homeland security funds are being used for their intended purposes; and whether security improvements are implemented in a timely manner.

Since 1999, Virginia has received $532 million in federal homeland security funds. Virginia has used this money, in addition to State and local funds, to strengthen preparedness for all hazards – including terrorist attacks and natural disasters. JLARC staff found that the State’s overall management of homeland security efforts and funding has been effective, although several steps should be taken to improve the allocation of federal grants and coordination of security efforts.

The allocation of federal grant funds could be improved by incorporating risk into the allocation formula to localities and by aligning allocations to State agencies with the goals of the State homeland security strategy. The State should alert localities of their awards in a timelier manner by determining the allocation formula prior to notification of the total State amount from the Department of Homeland Security.

The coordination of security efforts could be improved through the creation of regional working groups consisting of local emergency managers, first responders, and other local officials to foster regional cooperation, minimize redundancies, and eliminate gaps in local capabilities. The State should also conduct an assessment of local capabilities to identify gaps in preparedness and to assist in directing future grants to those areas. Finally, in order to ensure continuity of leadership and adequate funding, the General Assembly may wish to establish by statute the Office of Commonwealth Preparedness.