The Buffer Zone

The Buffer Zone provides grant funding to build security and risk-management capabilities at the state and local level to secure critical infrastructure including Washington State Ferry terminals.  13 WSF terminals have been identified as a Buffer Zone and funding provided for vulnerability reduction at those terminals.  This funding has helped obtain the following personnel responsible for WSF security:

• Portable radios
• Bicycles, equipment, and training for troopers
• Dry Suits and Ballistic Flotation Load-Bearing Vests for SWAT
• Kevlar helmets, blasting machines, and SCBAs for Bomb Technicians

Urban Area Security Initiative

UASI provides financial assistance to address the unique planning, equipment, training, and exercise needs of large urban areas.  The UASI grant program has funded the following WSP initiatives: 

• Personal Dosimeters
• Bomb Robot Trailers and Suits
• Handheld database query capability for troopers
• Participation in Marine Terrorism Response exercise
• Bomb Squad Rapid Response Equipment for WSF terminals in District 2 to include bomb vehicles, robots, suits, x-rays, and disrupters.
• Crime Lab Equipment

Supplemental State Homeland Security Grant Program

This program supplements funding available through FY 2003 SHSGP to enhance first responder preparedness. SHSGP II funds are also available to mitigate the costs of enhanced security at critical infrastructure facilities during the period of hostilities with Iraq and future periods of heightened threat.  SHSG has funding the following:

• SWAT radios, flotation vests, and microphones.
• Bomb Suits, vehicles, computers, and trailers
• Portable Radios for FOB troopers
• Rapid Deployment Force equipment including vehicles

Port Security Grant Program

The PSG Program provides financial assistance on a competitive basis to owners and operators of ports, terminals, U.S. inspected passenger vessels and ferries, port authorities, and State and local agencies for physical security enhancements.  WSP initiatives include:

• Explosives Bunker
• Bomb K9 Training Aids
• Bomb Dogs
• BEAR Vehicle for SWAT
• Equipment for the Puget Sound Tactical Response Project

Transit Security Grant Program

The TSGP provides funding for security and preparedness enhancements for designated transit systems. Funding is allowed for planning, organizational activities, equipment acquisitions, training, exercises, and management and administrative costs.  WSP items include:

• Bomb Squad Rapid Response Equipment for WSF terminals in Districts 7 and 8 to include bomb vehicles, robots, suits, x-rays, and disrupters.
• Red Team Analysis