Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP)
Purpose
The Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP) is one of several grant programs that constitute the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) focus on infrastructure security activities. The BZPP is one tool among a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration to help strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. The BZPP provides funding to increase the preparedness capabilities of jurisdictions responsible for the safety and security of communities surrounding high-priority pre-designated "Tier 1" and "Tier 2" critical infrastructure and key resource (CI/KR) assets, including chemical facilities, financial institutions, nuclear and electric power plants, dams, stadiums, and other high-risk/high-consequence facilities, through allowable planning and equipment acquisition.
Allocations
Iowa HSEMD, as the State Administrative Agency (SAA) must coordinate all BZPP activities with the respective State Homeland Security Advisor (HSA). Governor Terry Branstad has designated HSEMD's administrator, J. Derek Hill, to serve as Iowa's State HSA. Each state must pass no less than 97 percent of the total grant program amount available to the responsible unit of government. A maximum of five percent of funds awarded may be retained by the state, and any funds retained are to be used solely for management and administrative purposes.
Priorities for FY2010 Funding Cycle
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security encourages state and local jurisdictions to consider the following activities as priorities under the Fiscal Year 2010 BZPP:
- Coordination of operational activities with public and private-sector partners
- Coordination of operational and situational awareness activities with fusion centers and/or emergency operation centers (EOCs)
- Multidisciplinary involvement and cooperation
- Strengthening IED attack prevention and protection capabilities
- Integration of Constellation/Automated Critical Asset management System (C/ACAMS) and the DHS CI/KR taxonomy in CI/KR collection, storage/catalog, and reporting information technology (IT) solutions, databases, and processes
