Despite what U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton says, there are no federal dollars in Mower County for homeland security measures.

The senator visited Austin recently and announced the city is "ready" to meet all threats to security.

While planning has begun, no federal dollars are available in Mower County to initiate any homeland security initiative.

That is, if there is any public facility that would be considered a threat target.

Dayton's comments rankled the public safety and emergency services personnel, who citizens would call upon in times of emergencies to protect them.

The only funds previously sought by anyone were those that Amazi applied for to fund training to upgrade emergency services units in homeland security and combatting bioterrorism efforts.

Misgivings about obtaining funds and implementing the county's plan are soon to change.

Coming this spring, there could be federal dollars to spend on that possibility.

The Mower County Board of Commissioners gave its unanimous approval to proposals from Wayne Madson, the county's new emergency management director.

In addition, it endorsed Madson's idea to bring former Austin police chief and the county's first emergency management director, Bob Nelson, out of retirement to assist in the transition period.

Madson replaced Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi as the county's emergency management director only two weeks ago. Amazi resigned the position due to demands on her time and skills as the county sheriff and Madson, the county veterans service officer, was appointed to replace her.

Madson won the county board's approval to apply for U.S. Department of Justice funds to purchase equipment for the Austin Fire and Police Departments as well as the Mower County Sheriff's Office.

In addition, the commissioners approved Madson's request to seek funds for emergency services training for local public safety agencies.

The face masks, eye goggles and decontamination suits, plus funds for training and exercises in combatting terrorist actions are among those items recommended by the new Homeland Security department created by President Bush.

But, Garry Ellingson, 5th District county commissioner and chairman of the county board, wondered aloud if the focus should be expanded.

"What abut the other fire departments and police departments in the county?" Ellingson asked Madson Tuesday. "Shouldn't they be involved in this also?"

Madson replied he was only following a general plan created by his predecessors.

"I think it was designed to serve Austin, the biggest population center first, and then to branch out throughout the entire county," Madson said.

"Obviously, the security of citizens concerns all of Mower County and not just Austin," Ellingson said.

After a motion and a second to grant Madson permission to seek the federal funds, all four commissioners present at March 25's meeting approved the requests.

The Department of Justice funds should be available later this spring to begin buying the equipment and conducting training classes.

The commissioners also agreed to pay Nelson for a minimum 20 hours to help Madson with the transition period to include his new emergency management duties.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com