The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (U.S. DHS) grant program designed to provide financial assistance to address the unique multi-discipline planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise needs of high-threat, high density Urban Areas.  The UASI program also assists Urban Areas build and sustain capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from threats or acts of terrorism and natural disasters.

The Central Oklahoma Urban Area Security Initiative (COUASI) is defined as Oklahoma Homeland Security Regions 6 and 8 which includes the following counties: Canadian, Cleveland, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie.  There is a population of approximately 1.1 million in the COUASI and more than 5,200 square miles. 

The objective of the COUASI is to collaborate across disciplines and jurisdictions to develop a regional approach to preparedness including, but not limited to:

• Define strategic goals and objectives
• Identify funding methodology
• Determine equipment gaps and training and exercise needs
• Fulfill all U.S. DHS programmatic requirements

Central Oklahoma's Unique Terrorism Perspective: Oklahoma City was the site of the worst case of domestic terrorism to occur on U.S. soil. At 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995 the state of Oklahoma and the country as a whole, changed forever.  The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, was the target of terrorists.  A truck bomb took the lives of 168 people -- family, friends, children, co-workers and neighbors.  Timothy McVeigh was convicted and executed for his role in planning and carrying out the bombing.  His accomplice, Terry Nichols, was convicted on both federal and state murder charges.  He will spend the rest of his life in prison.   Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT)

Oklahoma Standard:  

The "Oklahoma Standard" was born in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Bombing.  In April 1995, Oklahomans dropped everything to assist their friends and neighbors, coworkers and strangers.  The response following the blast can only be described as amazing.  First responders from across the state and nation converged in downtown Oklahoma City to rescue the living and then honorably recover the victims.  Citizens lined up in record numbers to donate blood.  Any call for supplies was answered without question or hesitation in overwhelming numbers.

The Oklahoma Standard continues to be the benchmark against which all efforts are measured.  It is a high standard we expect to meet and Oklahomans are always up to the challenge.