Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Volume 3, Issue 13
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This Week
States Question Security Status
Funds to Foster Volunteerism
Bus Responds Countywide
Commission Pumps LNG
News of The Weird
Features
States Push For Localized Color-Coded Alerts
The nation's security status was ratcheted up to "high risk" in February 2003, but you'd never know it under the swaying palms on Maui's beaches or on the hiking trails of Kauai, two of Hawaiis most popular tourist sites.
No extra police were on duty on Maui or the smaller islands of Lanai and Molokai. Small power plants didn't step up security as specified by the states classified checklist of actions for higher alert levels, said Robert Lee, Hawaii's homeland security director.
In both February and April 2003, when the federal government raised its color- coded terror alert to orange or "high risk," Hawaii took an a-la-carte approach to stepping up its own alert status. Gov. Linda Lingle (R) kept the state level at yellow or "guarded," despite U.S. intelligence fears of an al Qaeda attack. Hawaii clamped on more security at airports and harbors, but stood down elsewhere.
For full text, visit:
http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/31286/ Grants to Encourage Volunteers in Homeland Security Efforts
The Corporation for National and Community Service is encouraging nonprofit organizations and public agencies to apply for $4 million in grants for projects to engage volunteers in homeland security efforts in their communities.
The grants are for projects that engage volunteers, especially those age 55 and over, in helping communities prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies and disasters. The Corporation expects to make approximately 12 awards, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 each. The grants will cover one year of program activity, but funding for a second and third year may be provided contingent on performance and availability of funds.
For full text, visit:
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http://www.fargo.com/gov News
Multi-Agency Mobile Command Center Unveiled
Firefighters and law enforcement personnel in St. Lucie County, FL, will now be able to use a portable command post to coordinate a response to local emergencies. Funds for the $190,000 Bluebird bus came from the county sheriff's office seizure and forfeiture trust fund and other local funds and grants.
The bus contains advanced monitoring and communications equipment, including a surveillance camera with infrared night vision. A special compartment in the vehicle can be used for planning with maps and TV images, while a second room functions as a dispatch center. Fire Chief Jay Sizemore explained that commanders need a location free from distractions so that strategies can be properly worked out. Officials noted the bus could be used for a variety of emergencies from wildfires to terrorist attacks, in addition to assisting large-scale investigations and searches for missing people.
Source: The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC).
Commission Asserts Exclusive Jurisdiction For LNG Facilities
Regulatory authority for the siting and construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals rests exclusively with the federal government, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) concluded in an order issued last week.
The Commission clarified its authority in an order responding to the California Public Utilities Commissions (CPUC) claim that California has jurisdiction over LNG facilities within its borders. The CPUC believes that Sound Energy Solutions (SES), an applicant to FERC for a proposed LNG import facility at the Port of Long Beach, must submit an application to the CPUC for the proposed LNG terminal.
The Commission expressed its intention to continue to work closely with the CPUC, other California state and local agencies, federal agencies, and the public in reviewing the proposed Long Beach LNG project. The Commission noted that FERC staff and the Port of Long Beach are working on a joint environmental analysis of the project. In addition to potential impact on the environment and cultural resources, the analysis will take into consideration tanker operation, marine facilities, safety, and terminal siting construction and operation.
"We acknowledge the legitimate concerns of the CPUC regarding matters of safety and security and give our assurance that the evaluation of the proposed project will include thorough and rigorous review of these issues," the Commission said.
In a related action, the Commission announced the formation of a new branch within FERCs Office of Energy Projects devoted to LNG issues. The LNG Engineering Branch will be responsible for the Commissions LNG inspection program and ensuring coordination among other relevant agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Transportations Office of Pipeline Safety. Creating the new branch reflects LNGs importance for the nations energy infrastructure and economy.
News of the Weird: Bizarre but true stories about real people.
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