Sends Findings To Department Of Homeland Security
Secretary Tom Ridge
WASHINGTON, D.C. - After surveying the cities in the 29th Congressional District, U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) released a comprehensive report today outlining the need for additional federal resources to help communities pay for the extra homeland security costs they have been forced to bear since September 11th. Along with the report, Rep. Schiff sent a letter to Homeland Security Department Secretary Tom Ridge detailing the report’s findings and the specific emergency preparedness needs of California’s 29th District.
"Our first and foremost priority must be to protect our homeland," Rep. Schiff said today. "Thus far, our local communities have been shouldering the cost-burdens of the additional equipment, personnel and training needed to keep our neighborhoods safe. Enacting the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill was a good first step towards helping our cash-strapped communities. I hope this report will help the Department of Homeland Security better understand the pressing additional needs of local first responders in my district and across the nation."
Earlier this year, surveys were distributed to city managers and mayors of the communities of the 29th Congressional District, including: Alhambra, Burbank, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City. Community officials were asked about readiness in the following five areas: emergency management and planning, training, personnel levels, equipment, and public health and medical capabilities. Responses were received from city leaders, disaster preparedness coordinators, fire departments, police departments and other first responders.
The survey results from the communities in the 29th Congressional District demonstrate a need for additional resources to respond to a terrorist attack despite significant devotion of limited local resources to preparedness. The attached report forms the basis of a consensus on what is needed for the district as a whole, according to the survey responses Rep. Schiff received.
A copy of the Community Emergency Readiness Report and letter to Secretary Ridge is attached.
Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.