Stimulus packageHow DHS plans to use the stimulus package's funds

Published 11 May 2009

The stimulus package has added billions of dollars to the DHS budget; the department details how it plans to spend the money

The Obama administration sees the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), aka “stimulus package,” as an effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges to the U.S. society and economy.

The ARRA has added billions to the DHS budget. Here is how the department plans to spend he additional money:

St. Elizabeths/DHS headquarters consolidation:

  • $650 million ($200 million to DHS; $450 million to GSA)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

  • $720 million for construction at land ports of entry ($300 million GSA; $420 million CBP)
  • $100 million for Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology
  • $100 million for border technology on the southwest border
  • $60 million for tactical communications equipment and radios

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):

  • $20 million for ICE automation modernization and tactical communications

Transportation Security Administration:

  • $1 billion for explosives detection systems and checkpoint screening equipment

U.S. Coast Guard:

  • $142 million for alteration of bridges program
  • $98 million for construction, which may include the following:
    • Shore facilities and aids to navigation facilities
    • Vessel repair/acquisition (includes High Endurance Cutter, National Security Cutter)

Federal Emergency Management Agency:

  • $100 million for Emergency Food and Shelter Program
  • $150 million for transit and rail security grants
  • $150 million for port security grants, no non-federal match required
  • $210 million for Assistance to Firefighter (AFG) grants for firehouse construction; maximum grant is $15.0 million
  • $5 million expansion in authority for FEMA Community Disaster Loans
  • Requires the establishment of an arbitration panel to resolve Katrina/Rita public assistance disputes
  • Requires FEMA to accept additional applications for Katrina/Rita public assistance
  • All non-federal matching requirements for SAFER grants waived for FY 2009-2010

DHS Office of Inspector General:

  • $5 million to conduct related oversight and audits