Governor Corzine, Federal and State Homeland Security Officials Gather to Address Security Issues Facing Urban New Jersey

JERSEY CITY - As the 8^th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Governor Jon S. Corzine today convened a conference of more than 400 federal, state and local law enforcement officials to address four critical areas facing urban towns: catastrophic planning, the mix of crime and terrorism, mass transit safety and security, and the balance of safety and commerce in the region's port areas.  

"Protecting the citizens and the critical assets of the State of New Jersey is a top priority of my Administration," Governor Corzine said.  "With acts of terrorism, natural disasters, catastrophic events and the threat of health pandemics, continued review of our preparedness efforts is always in order. To that end, I commend all of the emergency management teams and law enforcement operating in New Jersey for their endless dedication in ensuring the safety of our state and the citizens who live and work here."

The conference, "Urban New Jersey: A Landscape of Concern," addressed the unique counter-terrorism challenges and risks that state and local law enforcement and emergency preparedness personnel face as a result of New Jersey's urban demographics.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2008 Population Estimates, New Jersey has a population of 8,685,920 and remains the most densely populated state in the United States.

"New Jersey faces many unique risks stemming from high population density and the presence of significant critical infrastructure," said U.S. Homeland Security Under Secretary Rand Beers.  "The Administration views emergency preparedness and resiliency as shared responsibilities, and this conference represents an important step towards strengthening partnerships and increasing information sharing between policymakers, law enforcement officials and first responders at all levels of government."

"This conference brings together a diverse group of people committed to protecting our state and region from harm," said Attorney General Anne Milgram.  "Our vigilance must be constant and our resources ready to respond to all threats."

OHSP Director Cañas commended conference participants for their commitment and dedication to public safety.  "Today's gathering of law enforcement and emergency management professionals, from multiple federal, state and local agencies, is another example of Governor Corzine's commitment to public safety and homeland security."

In March 2006, Governor Corzine signed an executive order establishing the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.  OHSP is responsible for leading the state's counter-terrorism and preparedness efforts across all levels of government and the private sector.  OHSP oversees and distributes discretionary state and federal homeland security and preparedness funds on half of the state.  Since 2006, OHSP has been awarded more than $344 million in federal homeland security funds and has distributed more than $73.5 million in federal homeland security dollars directly to the state's 21 counties.

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