For FY 2008, the Hartford-Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is one of two MSAs in Connecticut which has been deemed eligible for Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding under the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). The HSGP requires regional approaches through these programs and initiatives; to that end the Capitol Region / CT-DEMHS Region 3 (Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security) has been designated as the Region 3 UASI. The Bridgeport-Stamford MSA is the other CT-MSA deemed UASI eligible and CT-DEMHS Region 1 has been designated as the Region 1-UASI.
Since its inception in FY 2003, the intent of the UASI program has been to enhance regional preparedness in major metropolitan areas. The UASI program directly supports the national priority on expanding regional collaboration in the National Preparedness Guidelines and is intended to assist participating jurisdictions in developing integrated regional systems for prevention, protection, response, and recovery.
For each UASI region an Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) is established to develop an Urban Area Homeland Security and Investment Planning Strategy for the three year grant period. For the FY 2008 HSGP the three highest priority objectives are:
- Measuring progress in achieving the National Preparedness Guidelines
- Strengthening improvised explosive device (IED) deterrence, prevention, and protection capabilities
- Strengthening preparedness planning
The UAWG for Region 3 has been established through the Region 3 – Regional Emergency Planning Team (REPT) Steering Committee consisting of representation from each of the CREPC-Regional Emergency Support Functions (RESF), the Citizen Corp Program (CCP), and the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS).