Homeland Security budgets spending of $19 million in state

Nevada's Homeland Security Commission will vote Aug. 13 on plans to spend a total of $19.2 million in grant money this fiscal year.

The top priority on the list is to continue development of communications systems connecting all agencies involved in handling emergencies throughout the state. A total of $6 million from the total is listed under that category.

Another $6.5 million will go to create northern and southern centers, the basis of a terrorism early warning system.

The list also includes funds to develop programs for evacuation, mass care and shelter plans in case of a disaster. Additionally, it focuses on medical capacity, bomb and other explosive-device detection and handling, as well as a statewide resident preparedness campaign and Citizen Corps programs.

The commission's finance committee questioned whether there aren't other funds available to support some of those programs beyond the money in the Public Safety Department's Emergency Management Division. Members pointed out some of the programs need more money than is available.

Division Chief Frank Siracusa and Deputy Chief Kamala Carmazzi told the committee there are numerous other agencies receiving federal and other funding for similar, related and even some of the same programs.

"You folks are privy only to the grants we handle," she said.

Siracusa said emergency management has no control over those other funding sources including money from the Center for Disease Control, Environmental Protection grants, agricultural and other programs. He said even asking about them is touchy because that might be perceived as an attempt by the commission to try get control of the money.

Commission Chair Bob Hadfield emphasized that isn't the intent but said the commission should meet with those other groups.

"At a minimum we need to understand what are those capabilities," he said. "It's not a matter of control. We're trying to implement health and safety for the benefit of all Nevadans."

Carmazzi agreed, saying emergency management and the commission are "operating in a vacuum."

Siracusa said it's good management practice for all parties to better understand the total amount of money available and where it's going. And, he said, it might help leverage the available funds better to get more support from the federal government and other sources.

The proposed expenditures will be reviewed and voted on by the whole commission in August.

• Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.