A new way of distributing homeland security funds will allow state and county officials to identify areas that need improvements before 2005 Homeland Security Grants are awarded.

This year, Iowa was separated into six regions, each of which were responsible for applying for grant money separately. Equipment needs and project funding will be determined regionally, meaning projects that benefit a region collectively will receive a higher priority, said Kara Berg, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management public affairs specialist.

“The regions that will receive the most funding are regions one and six, which covers central and eastern Iowa,” she said. “A lot of that is based on population and critical assets.”

Story County falls under region one’s jurisdiction.

“I think Ames and the rest of Story County have been, and will continue to be, well represented,” said Chuck Cychosz, Ames Police support services manager.

Berg said counties may or may not see an actual dollar figure, as funds may stay at the regional level once allocated.

After state applications are received, the Office for Domestic Preparedness has 15 days to grant an award date.

Each region also has the responsibility to meet certain qualifications in order to stay eligible for 2005 grant money.

“The most notable requirement to remain eligible is the implementation of the National Incident Management System,” said John Ross, Story County emergency management assistant coordinator.

Ross said the National Incident Management System is a computer-aided dispatch system that will improve coordination between all multi-level agencies in response to a disaster. The county is already offering training for the new system.

The state has to be in compliance with the system’s policies and procedures by 2007, Ross said, which includes adopting new framework for responding to disasters.

“The well-being of the county is always our first priority,” Ross said. “More than anything we’re optimistic where homeland security is headed, especially in Iowa.”