FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DOJ

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2002???????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????202-307-0703

 

TACOMA RECEIVES $280,000 TO PURCHASE SPECIALIZED

TRAINING EQUIPMENT FOR TERRORIST ATTACKS

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. ? The Department of Justice announced today that Tacoma, Washington will receive $280,000 to purchase specialized domestic preparedness training equipment for local hazardous materials, fire services, law enforcement and emergency medical services personnel.? The award is part of the Department?s Nunn-Lugar-Domenici (NLD) Domestic Preparedness Program, and will allow the city to purchase personal protection, detection, and decontamination training equipment to help emergency responders prepare for terrorist attacks.

?Our nation?s emergency first responders must have adequate resources, training and support to respond to terrorist attacks.? This program demonstrates this Administration?s commitment to provide resources and assistance to bolster the nation?s preparedness,? said Attorney General John Ashcroft.? ?The Nunn-Lugar-Domenici Domestic Preparedness Program combines equipment acquisition funds with a training and exercise component that comprehensively addresses the unique challenges facing this nation?s cities in the fight against terrorism.?

In 1997, the NLD Program identified the nation?s 120 largest cities as a priority to receive training, exercises and equipment funds to enhance their capacity to respond to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents.? The program, now administered by the Department?s Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP), provides eligible jurisdictions with a tailored suite of training, exercises and equipment acquisition support to enhance their capacity to respond to incidents of terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD).? These funds represent the equipment component of the NLD initiative.?

The NLD Program was operated by the Department of Defense (DoD) until October 1, 2000, when it was transferred to the Justice Department.? DoD completed delivery of all program elements to 68 of the 120 cities and initiated, but did not complete, program activities in 37 additional cities.? The Department of Justice?s ODP is completing delivery of remaining program activities in those 37 sites, and is providing a complete program to the last 15 cities.?

The Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) is the Justice Department's primary program office responsible for enhancing the capacity of state and local jurisdictions to respond to, and mitigate the consequences of, incidents of domestic terrorism.

For more information on the Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP) and other OJP programs, please see OJP's Website at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/.

Media calls should be directed to David Hess in OJP?s Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at 202-307-0703 or 877-859-8704 (pager).?

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