Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) proclaimed an important step forward for the security of non-profit groups in Washington State today. Reichert announced that the Department of Homeland Security is making funds available to five non-profits in Washington who will receive $543,994, under the Fiscal Year 2007 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

“This is an amazing and critical amount of funding for these groups,” said Reichert. “These grants facilitate enhanced security and allow for preventative measures that, unfortunately, are necessary due to the threats that they receive. I’m pleased that DHS saw the need and came through."

After the tragic shooting at the Seattle Jewish Federation offices on July 28, 2006, Reichert sent a letter to DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff highlighting the funding need presented by extra security at activities around Jewish synagogues and Muslim mosques.

Reichert continued, “The terrible events of last year were a tragic reminder of the threat we all face. These funds will help the Jewish Federation and other nonprofit groups in the region close their security gaps. In addition, these funds will go to help protect the most vulnerable population of all, our children.”

The specific breakdown of the funding included:

• $100,000 for the Jewish Federation of Seattle
• $100,000 for the Herzi-Ner Tamid in Seattle
• $100,000 for the Stroum Jewish Community Center of Great Seattle
• $74,944 for the Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle
• $97,695 for Food Lifeline in Seattle
• $71,355 for Jewish Family Service of Seattle

The grants are awarded to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations at high risk of international terrorist attack in high risk Urban Areas.  Eligibility was limited to organizations located in UASI sites.  Grants are being awarded through eligible State Administering Agencies according to criteria that include: (1) prior threats or attacks by a terrorist organization, (2) symbolic value of a site that renders it a possible terrorist target, (3) the organization’s role in responding to or recovering from terrorist attacks, and (4) the organization’s threat, vulnerability and/or consequence as determined by a previously conducted risk assessment.