For Immediate Release
Aug. 21, 2002
Contact: Rusty Cheuvront or Terry Sebastian at (502) 564-2611 or John Blacksten 202/624-5334 

NGA announces state Homeland Security priorities
Top-10 Priorities Established By 55 State and Territorial Governors

WASHINGTON, DC -The National Governors Association's (NGA) Center for Best Practices today released an Issue Brief that outlines the states' top-10 homeland security priorities. The priorities were identified-and agreed to-by America's 55 state and territorial homeland security directors on behalf of their governors. 

With hundreds of potential homeland security concerns, this marks the first time that America's states and territories have established a common list of top national priorities. The Issue Brief, entitled States' Homeland Security Priorities is being made available to all appropriate federal, state and local officials to assist them in planning their future homeland security policies and procedures. 

The September 11 terrorist attacks against quickly propelled terrorism to the top of the nation's agenda. Even before the events of September 11, governors had identified terrorism as a real domestic security concern and, since 1996, the issue has been part of the National Governors Association efforts in emergency preparedness. However, the magnitude and nature of the September 11 terrorist attacks, anthrax crisis, and national alerts have led governors to initiate unprecedented efforts to implement a comprehensive state-based strategy to prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks within their borders. 

"As chief executives, homeland security is a top priority for every governor in America," said NGA Chairman Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton. "This Issue Brief outlines, for governors and federal officials, the top issues that must be addressed to help prevent further attacks and respond to any future incidents." 

To determine the top priorities outlined in the Issue Brief, NGA's Center for Best Practices worked with state homeland security directors and analyzed the states and territories' written responses to the Office of Homeland Security's request for state input into the national strategy. The top priorities and issues identified by the state and territorial officials are: 

• Coordination must involve all levels of government;

• The federal government must disseminate timely intelligence information to the states;

• States must work with local governments to develop interoperable communications between first responders and adequate wireless spectrum must be set aside to do the job;

• State and local governments need help and technical assistance to identify and protect critical infrastructure;

• Both the states and federal government must focus on enhancing bioterrorism preparedness and re-building the nation's public health system to address 21^st century threats;

• The federal government should provide adequate federal funding and support to ensure that homeland security needs are met;

• The federal government should work with states to protect sensitive security information, including restricting access to information available through "freedom of information" requests;

• An effective system must be developed that secures points of entry at borders, airports, and seaports without placing an undue burden on commerce;

• The National Guard has proven itself to be an effective force during emergencies and crises. The mission of the National Guard should remain flexible, and Guard units should primarily remain under the control of the governor during times of crises; and

• Federal agencies should integrate their command systems into existing state and local incident command systems (ICS) rather than requiring state and local agencies to adapt to federal command systems

"State, territorial and local officials-in partnership with the federal government and private sector-are working every day to secure America's critical infrastructure, communication networks, and food and water supplies," said NGA Vice Chair Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne. "These 10 priorities make clear the challenges that must be overcome to ensure the health and safety of our citizens." 

The compete Issue Brief, States' Homeland Security Priorities, is available on the NGA Web site at http://www.nga.org/center/divisions/1,1188,C_ISSUE_BRIEF^D_4303,00.html. The priorities outlined in the Issue Brief will be further detailed and addressed in NGA's A Governor's Guide to Emergency Management Volume 2: Homeland Security, which is scheduled for release in mid-September 2002. 

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NGA, founded in 1908, is the instrument through which the nation's governors collectively influence the development and implementation of national policy and apply creative leadership to state issues. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. The NGA Center for Best Practices helps governors and their policy advisors develop and implement innovative solutions to governance and policy challenges facing them in their states. The Center provides tailored technical assistance, tracks and evaluates state innovations and best practices, and helps governors and their staffs develop cutting-edge solutions to stay ahead of problems. For more information visit www.nga.org.