FY 08 Budget Priorities: Protecting Critical Infrastructure

The third major priority focus is the interior of the country--protecting the infrastructure and systems that keep our nation and our economy running smoothly from an attack inside the United States. The federal government does not own most of the nation's critical infrastructure -- the dams, the bridges, the transportation systems, the electrical and the nuclear facilities. The Department needs to work in partnership with the private sector and with state and local government to evaluate vulnerabilities in these systems, increase protection, and build resiliency in the event of an attack or disruption.

Progress Protecting Critical Infrastructure

Over the last year, we have made important progress toward the goal.

• New chemical site regulation authority and proposed regulations to protect high-risk rail shipments in transit in and around our major urban areas
• Site visits and vulnerability assessments at critical infrastructure sites and facilities across the country.
• Set national priorities, goals, and requirements--the National Infrastructure Protection Plan--to help ensure that our government, economy, and public services continue in the event of a terrorist attack or other disaster.
• $1.5 billion in grants specifically to protect critical infrastructure such as mass transit, inter-city bus, and rail security.

FY08 Budget Request to Protect Critical Infrastructure

• $30 million for the Securing the Cities Implementation initiative. Activities include the development of regional strategies, analyses of critical road networks, mass transit, maritime, and rail vulnerabilities.
• $21.9 million to support the new Science and Technology Office of Innovation to develop technologies to create a resilient electric grid, detect tunnels along the border, defeat improvised explosive devices, and protect against shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles (MANPADS).
• $15 million increase for a total of $25 million to improve Chemical Site Security and regulate security of chemical plants.
• $3.5 million to expand TSA’s National Explosive Detection Canine Team program by approximately 45 teams.
• $35.6 million to support the Secret Service in protecting candidates and nominees during the 2008 Presidential Campaign.