Jay Inslee: Washington's 1st Congressional District
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Inslee Calls for Homeland Security Funding
April 7, 2003
U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee gave a five-minute speech about the additional money headed to the City of Seattle for homeland security costs on the floor of the House of Representatives today. Inslee is concerned that smaller communities, such as Bothell and Monroe, have yet to receive Homeland Security funding.
Said Inslee, "That the Department of Homeland Security is sending money to Seattle is wonderful news. We must not forget our smaller cities and counties, however; for example, the city of Monroe, Washington spent approximately $45,000 last year on gas masks for its police officers, which is a very large sum for a city of that size. The city of Bothells Police Department has spent over $100,000 on homeland security equipment and training since September 11th, and expects to spend over $200,000 by the end of this year. I will continue to push for homeland security funding for our smaller communities."
Today the Department of Homeland Security announced that $11.28 million is being made available to the City of Seattle as part of the Urban Area Security Initiative.
The following First District Communities have made significant Homeland Security expenditures and are still without funding:
- Bothell Police Department:
- Since September 11, the Bothell Police Department has spent $100,000 for communications equipment, additional planning, and training. This cost is expected to reach $200,000 by the end of the year.
- The Department purchased gas masks, filters and additional rifles for their 53 commissioned officers at a cost of $35,000. (This cost only covers the equipment; it does not cover costs associated with training and additional physicals for officers).
- City of Monroe Police Department:
- The Monroe Police Department spent about $45,000 last year.
- Mountlake Terrace Police Department:
- $2,400 for gas masks.
- City of Edmonds:
- The city has spent an additional $145,000 for homeland security projects.
- The Police Department spent $45,000 for extra patrols.
- The Fire Department has spent $30,000 for Hazmat training.
- These figures do not include any overtime costs.
- Kirkland Police Department:
- $39,600 for training equipment and mutual aid to Seattle.