Perry releases plan to counter threats

By: Lynn Brezosky/Express news

Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday released a five-year strategic plan outlining the state’s “high-level roadmap” to deal with threats including natural disasters, disease outbreaks, terrorist attacks, gangs and violence along the Mexican border.

“Texas faces a diverse array of challenges to our safety and security, requiring a unique approach to preparedness, response and recovery efforts,” Perry said in a news release. “This plan was developed with the input of state agencies, law enforcement and emergency management personnel that form the homeland security community in Texas.”

The plan for 2010 to 2015 follows a similar plan released in 2005, which Perry said guided the state through hurricanes, flooding, the H1N1 flu outbreak and the ongoing threat of spillover violence from drug cartel wars in northern Mexico.

“It applies an increased understanding of the terrorist threats confronting Texas; and it reflects lessons learned in countering very powerful and dangerous criminal enterprises like Mexican cartels and transnational gangs,” Perry spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger said.

Perry touted the state’s increased focus on border security, including more than $230 million over five years to fund border security operations. He said the next five years would focus on investigating and prosecuting gangs, coordinating intelligence and enhancing public-private partnerships for security.

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