Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides funding support for target hardening activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of international terrorist attack. While this funding is provided specifically to high-risk nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, State and local government agencies, and Citizen Corps Councils. Virginia localities participate in three Urban Area Security Initiatives: Hampton Roads, Central Virginia and National Capital Region.
The Central Virginia UASI includes the Cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond as well as the Counties of Amelia, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, King and Queen, King William, Louisa, Prince George, Powhatan, New Kent and Sussex. The purpose of the Central Virginia UASI is to significantly improve preparedness through effective planning, training and exercise. It ensures coordinated and enhanced sustained regional planning, preparedness, response and recovery efforts that protect citizens from terrorist attacks and area-wide emergencies.
The Central Virginia UASI established an Urban Area Working Group (UAWG). The City of Richmond works with the committee to design an emergency response system that is comprehensive, integrated and provides a truly regional approach.
