Country Snapshot:
Costa Rica
U.S. Aid to Costa Rica, All Programs, 2006-2011
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| Aid Program | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | Program Total |
| Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance | 853,000 | 819,000 | 819,000 | 819,000 | 819,000 | 4,129,000 | |
| International Military Education and Training | 80,000 | 172,000 | 364,000 | 380,000 | 400,000 | 1,396,000 | |
| Foreign Military Financing | 325,000 | 350,000 | 675,000 | ||||
| Service Academies | 64,000 | 64,000 | 64,000 | 64,000 | 64,000 | 320,000 | |
| Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies | 26,600 | 26,600 | 26,600 | 26,600 | 26,600 | 133,000 | |
| Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program | 3,420 | 3,420 | 3,420 | 3,420 | 3,420 | 17,100 | |
| TOTAL | 947,020 | 993,020 | 1,085,020 | 1,277,020 | 1,618,020 | 750,000 | 6,670,100 |
All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.
| Aid Program | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | Program Total |
| Peace Corps | 1,731,000 | 1,731,000 | 1,731,000 | 1,731,000 | 6,924,000 |
| Child Survival and Health | 242,000 | 242,000 | |||
| TOTAL | 1,731,000 | 1,973,000 | 1,731,000 | 1,731,000 | 7,166,000 |
All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.
| 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | TOTAL | |
| TOTAL | 2,678,020 | 2,966,020 | 2,816,020 | 3,008,020 | 1,618,020 | 750,000 | 13,836,100 |
| Aid Program | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | Program Total |
| Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies | 24 | 7 | 8 | 39 |
| International Military Education and Training | 24 | 24 | ||
| Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance | 7 | 12 | 19 | |
| Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program | 2 | 2 | 4 | |
| Service Academies | 1 | 1 | ||
| TOTAL | 34 | 45 | 8 | 87 |
| Institution | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | Total |
| Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies | 18 | 8 | 26 | |
| Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation | 3 | 10 | 13 | |
| Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School | 2 | 8 | 10 | |
| Inter-American Air Forces Academy | 4 | 4 | ||
| Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy | 2 | 2 | ||
| Army Aviation Center | 1 | 1 | ||
| TOTAL | 5 | 43 | 8 | 56 |
| Program | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | Program Total |
| Direct Commercial Sales | 22,303,459 | 1,662,610 | 25,418,012 | 49,384,081 |
| TOTAL | 22,303,459 | 1,662,610 | 25,418,012 | 49,384,081 |
All amounts in U.S. dollars.
| Program | 2007 | 2008 | Program Total |
| Humanitarian and Civic Assistance | 920,971 | 33,779 | 954,750 |
| TOTAL | 920,971 | 33,779 | 954,750 |
All amounts in U.S. dollars.
Official Descriptions of Aid to Costa Rica
Document: Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010
Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement
"Program Accomplishments
In 2008, Dominican law enforcement authorities seized approximately 2.4 metric tons (MT) of cocaine hydrochloride (HCl), 96 kilograms (kg) of heroin, 15,949 units of Ecstasy (MDMA), and 219 kg of marijuana. The National Directorate of Drug Control (DNCD) made 14,674 drug-related arrests in 2008, a 15 percent increase over 2007. Through joint operations targeting drug trafficking organizations transporting narcotic proceeds through the various ports of entry in the DR, the DNCD and Dominican Customs seized over $2 million in U.S. currency. In 2008, the DNCD and members of the Dominican Armed Forces targeted South American narcotics trafficking organizations that were transporting large amounts of narcotics to the DR via aircraft. When feasible, Customs and Border Control (CBP) Blackhawk helicopters based in Puerto Rico were dispatched to the Dominican Republic to pick-up a Dominican Tactical Response Team and then transported to interdict in-bound drug carrying aircraft as the drops were being made. As a result of these joint operations the DNCD seized over 1,463 kg of cocaine and several aircraft. This dependence on CBP assets from Puerto Rico is driven by the outdated Dominican helicopters and equipment which prevents robust interdiction efforts over open water. On November 13, 2008, DNCD seized 274 FY 2010 INL Program and Budget Guide over 1,400 kg of liquid cocaine that was contained inside shampoo bottles at the Port of Haina, Santo Domingo."
Document: Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010
Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement
"Program Objectives and Performance Indicators
Police Professionalization and Anti-Corruption
Enhance the capabilities of Costa Rica's national police and promote integrity initiatives to root out corrupt practices by police officers.
- The Costa Rican police transition to a community-oriented police force responsive to the communities served.
- Police professionalization training and provision of specialized law enforcement equipment enhances the accountability of mid-level police managers and ensures that they are able to effectively deploy their resources.
Counternarcotics Interdiction
Support interdiction at border and mobile checkpoints to interdict drugs flowing north and cash and weapons flowing south; provide information-sharing links to the border areas with Nicaragua.
- Improved communications between Costa Rica and Nicaragua along their shared border and enhanced interdiction capabilities will stem the flow of drugs.
Provide technical assistance and equipment to enable the Costa Rica coast guard to patrol offshore.
- The Costa Rican Coast Guard's (SNGC) operability and navigation, safety and communications capabilities will be improved and enable them to conduct interdiction operations more effectively.
Program Justification
Costa Rica's self-image has suffered in recent years from, among other issues, alarming crime rates that have been increasing by 15-20%. Significantly fueled by drug trafficking, deteriorating domestic security has become the top concern. Although Costa Rica has taken significant steps to reform its domestic security apparatus by passing important domestic 270root out corrupt p FY 2010 INL Program and Budget Guide security and anti-terrorism laws, more work will be needed in FY 2010. Costa Rican security forces remain among the least corrupt in Central America, and they have been somewhat effective in operations against major trafficking organizations, particularly in narcotics seizures. However, they remain significantly under staffed, underfunded, and under trained, relying on U.S.-supplied training and equipment as well as investigative, operational and technical support. Violent crime affecting all sectors of society, including senior government officials, has galvanized public opinion and the political class to act more vigorously. Police, prosecutors, judges and the Costa Rican coast guard will remain the primary beneficiaries of U.S. assistance. In addition, the government needs help to combat money laundering, to overhaul policing practices and to rebuild its police academy.
Program Accomplishments
In 2008, the Arias Administration named a new Minister of Public Security (MPS) who initiated a National Plan to combat crack cocaine consumption in Costa Rica, a problem growing at an alarming rate. The Ministry, with USG assistance, has also begun a container inspection program at the Caribbean port of Limon. Early in 2009, important domestic security and anti-terrorism laws were approved and the Executive branch has sent organized crime legislation to the Government of Costa Rica's (GOCR) National Assembly for consideration. The GOCR is committed to the development of the SNCG. They have doubled their service budget within the last year, provided land to expand current construction of their Headquarters, Academy, and maintenance facilities in Punta Arenas. The SNGC, with USG assistance, made some progress in addressing communications and navigations gaps and made several key interdictions with USG assistance, such as a 4 metric ton (MT) cocaine seizure in July, 2008. Including this seizure, in 2008, Costa Rican authorities assisted in the seizure of 21.7 MT of cocaine in joint maritime interdiction operations with U.S. law enforcement. The GOCR also seized over 157,234 doses of crack cocaine, 21.26 kilograms (kg) of heroin, 4.8 MT of processed marijuana, and eradicated over 1.4 million marijuana plants. Additionally, Costa Rican authorities confiscated more than $4.4 million in U.S. and local currency. The more than 35,000 drug-related arrests made in 2008, represent a raw increase of 12,293 arrests (or 54 percent higher) over 2007.
FY 2010 Program
In FY 2010, bi-lateral program funds will complement Merida-related investments, maintain equipment, and support U.S. counternarcotics and law enforcement interests in a key area of the trafficking transit zone between North and South America.
Interdiction
FY 2010 funds will support interdiction operations at border and mobile checkpoints to seize drugs flowing north and cash and weapons flowing south; as well as improve communications between Costa Rica and Nicaragua along their shared border. Funds will also support technical maintenance requirements for the SNGC maritime vessels and radar systems and spare parts to ensure patrol boat readiness.
Police Professionalization
Training: INL will assist the GOCR's effort to disrupt international crime and narcotics trafficking, by improving its overall law enforcement infrastructure. Building on IMET- funded and themed police training in Fiscal Years 2007-2009 and working in conjunction with IMET in FY 2010, the program will train 150 middle managers in 2010. Funds will assist the Costa Rican police to transition to a community-oriented police force and contain key integrity initiatives to root out corrupt practices by police officers. The project will wrap up in 2011 with final training and, with matching GOCR funds, will provide computer databases and other essential information tools to hold the mid-level managers accountable and ensure that they are able to effectively deploy their human resources.
Equipment: Funds will support community-based policing with provision of modern police management tools such as a COMPSTAT-like database for mapping crime statistics. This will allow mid-level managers to respond effectively to problems in the communities as well as enable their superiors to hold them accountable for their results. This is a fundamental shift from the currently purely reactive model of policing to a proactive model that taps into community needs and takes advantage of a community’s intimate knowledge of its particular crime problems.
Police Academy: And essential part of the professionalization process will include reforms to the police academy which began in 2008. FY 2010 funds will provide computers and software, multimedia projectors, and specialized police training aids.
"
Document: PANAMAX: Teamwork against terrorism
Program: Exercises
Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is an annual exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal against transnational threats. PANAMAX 2009 is designed to address a spectrum of possible threats, including terrorist acts against the canal, to ensure a multinational force can respond to any request for support from the Government of Panama while respecting national sovereignty.
Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is an annual exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal against transnational threats. PANAMAX 2009 is designed to address a spectrum of possible threats, including terrorist acts against the canal, to ensure a multinational force can respond to any request for support from the Government of Panama while respecting national sovereignty.
Ultimately Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is about working together and learning from each other in order to promote trust and foster willingness for continued collaboration and teamwork. PANAMAX offers the opportunity to strengthen the ability to operate together which ultimately strengthens security of the hemisphere.
Participants and observers include forces from Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the United States and Uruguay. The ground portion of the exercise is being conducted at Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, both in San Antonio from Sept. 13-21.
Document: Opening Ceremony Kicks Off FA PANAMAX 2009
Program: Exercises
More than 4,500 personnel from 20 countries began a 12-day exercise here Friday to train in a joint, multinational effort to ensure the security of the Panama Canal.
FA PANAMAX 2009 is one of the largest multinational training exercises in the world, and is taking place in the waters off the coasts of Panama from Sept. 11-22 with the participation of civil and military forces.
More than 20 vessels and a dozen aircraft are involved in the exercises. Participants are focusing on a variety of responses to any request from the Government of Panama to protect and guarantee safe passage of traffic through the Panama Canal, ensure its neutrality, and respect national sovereignty. Simulated ground forces are also participating at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
The FA PANAMAX 2009 exercise scenario includes sea-based training devoted to maritime interdiction operations, including visit, boarding, search and seizure. Virtual land-based training in San Antonio, Texas, will focus on command and control, stability operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations.
FA PANAMAX 2009 participating nations include: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United States and Uruguay. France and Mexico are scheduled to participate as observers. The Conference of Central American Armies, the Organization of American States and the United Nations will also participate.
Document: FY 2010 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations
U.S. foreign assistance will help Costa Rica improve its domestic security environment. Within this context, U.S.-supplied equipment, training, and technical assistance will directly support our top strategic goal of Peace and Security. President Arias has personally asked for U.S. assistance to improve security and defend against regional narco-traffickers in order to advance his goal of making Costa Rica the first fully-developed country in Latin America by 2021. Providing a safe and secure domestic environment as well as improving the health of its citizens will directly affect positive economic growth and prosperity.
Peace and Security: The United States will provide training and specialized law enforcement equipment not available in Costa Rica, including information systems that will enhance the accountability of mid-level police managers while allowing far more efficient use of limited police resources. This assistance will directly support U.S. counter-narcotics and law enforcement interests in a key area of the trafficking transit zone between North and South America. Through information systems assistance, the U.S. will also help to make criminal records and arrest warrants available to police nationwide.
The U.S. will also continue the training and professionalization of Costa Rican security personnel, managed by the Department of Defense. This training will help foster critical security ties with U.S. military and will include courses on intelligence analysis, patrol boat and small engine maintenance, maritime boarding operations, counter-terrorism, and leadership and management. Assistance will also support the provision of equipment to enhance Costa Rica’s search and rescue capability.
The U.S. will measure the success of the program by the rate of domestic crime, especially murder and assaults, and the number and/or percentage of successful criminal prosecutions. Additionally, we will measure how many major trafficking organizations and their supporting infrastructures have been disrupted and/or dismantled as defined by an identified hierarchy and significant international, national, and regional impact.
Investing in People: The United States will help fight HIV/AIDS throughout Central America. Efforts to contain the epidemic in the region focus on activities to increase HIV/AIDS prevention practices and services directed mainly at those populations most at-risk; improve the HIV/AIDS policy environment; and improve the delivery of comprehensive care and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. Programs will encourage Costa Rica to finish developing a national health emergency plan and participate in regional health initiatives.
Document: Costa Rica Leads the Way as Fuerzas Aliadas Humanitarias Gets Underway
Program: Exercises
Officials from Costa Rica’s National Emergency Commission (CNE) are leading the way as this year’s Fuerzas Aliadas Humanitarias (FAHUM) regional exercise gets underway here.
The first phase is an emergency simulation of a Pandemic influenza, to test the CNE’s staff’s abilities to conduct local and international emergency response. The second phase is a field exercise where CNE officials can evaluate and improve emergency response at the local, national, and international levels.
FAHUM 2009 is a collaborative event that involves first responders and regional partner nation participants. As a multi-staged event, it will combine a command post exercise and field training at multiple simulated “disaster site” locations to be conducted by civilian and military disaster responders in Antigua, Costa Rica, Grenada and Honduras.
Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report
Costa Rica will address maritime trafficking both through its own direct efforts and through continued collaboration with the USG. The U.S. encourages the GOCR to pass the Terrorist Financing bill in order to remain in the Egmont Group. The projected increase in the number, and improved training, of police should enable the GOCR to more successfully fight crime, including trafficking. Also the GOCR should improve their interdiction capabilities on their coastal littoral areas, continue working to reduce of crime rates, and establish a professional training for their police. The construction of SNCG Academy and maintenance facilities in Punta Arenas will enable GOCR to effectively maintain a force that is ready and able to respond at all times.
For its part, the USG will provide significant support in the coming year under the Merida Initiative—a partnership between the governments of the United States, Mexico, Central America, Haiti and the Dominican Republic to confront the violent national and transnational gangs and organized criminal and narcotics trafficking organizations that plague the entire region, the activities of which spill over into the United States. The Merida Initiative will fund a variety of programs that will strengthen the institutional capabilities of participating governments by supporting efforts to investigate, sanction and prevent corruption within law enforcement agencies; facilitating the transfer of critical law enforcement investigative information within and between regional governments; and funding equipment purchases, training, community policing and economic and social development programs. Bilateral agreements with the participating governments were in the process of being negotiated and signed at the time this report was prepared.
Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report
Bilateral Cooperation. The U.S. supported the SNGC's efforts to improve interdiction by providing technical assistance and equipment. While land-based interdiction, especially effective use of border checkpoints, remains important to U.S. strategy, U.S. assistance has focused resources on interdicting maritime-based narcotics shipments to include containerized cargo. SNCG personnel received outboard motor maintenance training from U.S. Coast Guard enhancing their capability to conduct preventive maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. The U.S. is also supporting reforms in police training.
Document: Section 1209 Report to Congress on Foreign-Assitance Related Programs Carried out by the Department of Defense
Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance
Improves U.S. image with a government with anti-military sentiment. Project showcases U.S. Military multi-mission capabilities. Promoting democracy, regional prosperity, and stability.
Document: FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Spending Plan
Program: Foreign Military Financing
Peace and Security ($4 million)
FMF funds will be used to refurbish up to three 82-ft patrol boats and up to four 25-ft go-fast interceptor boats and provide up to three 33-ft interceptor boats and a command, control and .communications package to the Costa Rican Coast Guard. The communications package will allow not only for better communications among Costa Rican Coast-Guard entities, but would also allow facilitate combined operations with the U.S. and regional forces. This communications capability, along with refurbished and new boats will greatly enhance Costa Rica's patrol and surveillance capabilities strengthening both national and regional security. FMF funds will also be used to provide follow-on training to Panama for boat maintenance training and for upgrades and training for communications system provided as part of the Enduring Friendship program. Finally, FMF funds will be used to provide an initial command and control package to El Salvador as the first step to implement the Enduring Friendship maritime security program.
Grant Aid Table Sources:
- Costa Rica Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance 2006; - United States, Department of Defense, Office of Freedom of Information, Freedom of Information Act Request by Marina Walker Guevara, Ref: 06-F-0839 (Washington: September 26, 2006) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies 2006; Costa Rica Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program 2006; Costa Rica Service Academies 2006; - United States, Department of Defense, Department of State, Foreign Military Training and DoD Engagement Activities of Interest in Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007: A Report to Congress (Washington: August 2007) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica International Military Education and Training 2007; - United States, Department of State, FY 2009 International Affairs (Function 150) Budget Request--Summary and Highlights (Washington: Department of State: February 4, 2008) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance 2007; - (1) U.S. Department of Defense, Response to Freedom of Information Act Request submitted by the Fellowship of Reconciliation (Washington: Department of Defense, April 2008). (2) United States, Department of Defense, Section 1209 Report to Congress on Foreign-Assistance Related Programs Carried out by the Department of Defense (Washington: August 2008) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica International Military Education and Training 2008; - United States, Department of State, FY 2010 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations (Washington: Department of State, May 2009) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies 2007; Costa Rica Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program 2007; Costa Rica Service Academies 2007; Costa Rica Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies 2008; Costa Rica Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program 2008; Costa Rica Service Academies 2008; Costa Rica Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies 2009; Costa Rica Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program 2009; Costa Rica Service Academies 2009; Costa Rica Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies 2010; Costa Rica Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program 2010; Costa Rica Service Academies 2010; - Estimate based on closest available year.
- Costa Rica Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance 2008; Costa Rica Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance 2009; Costa Rica Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance 2010; - Estimate based on last available year.
- Costa Rica International Military Education and Training 2009; Costa Rica Foreign Military Financing 2010; Costa Rica International Military Education and Training 2010; Costa Rica Foreign Military Financing 2011; Costa Rica International Military Education and Training 2011; - United States, Department of State, Executive Budget Summary: Function 150 and Other International Programs, Fiscal Year 2011 (Washington: Department of State, February 1, 2010) (Link to source).
Economic Aid Table Sources:
- Costa Rica Peace Corps 2006; - United States, Department of State, FY 2008 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations (Washington: Department of State, February 2007) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica Child Survival and Health 2007; - United States, Department of State, FY 2009 International Affairs (Function 150) Budget Request--Summary and Highlights (Washington: Department of State: February 4, 2008) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica Peace Corps 2007; Costa Rica Peace Corps 2008; Costa Rica Peace Corps 2009; - Estimate based on closest available year.
Trainees Table Sources:
- Costa Rica Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies 2006; Costa Rica Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program 2006; Costa Rica Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance 2006; Costa Rica Service Academies 2006; - United States, Department of Defense, Department of State, Foreign Military Training and DoD Engagement Activities of Interest in Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007: A Report to Congress (Washington: August 2007) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies 2007; Costa Rica Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program 2007; Costa Rica International Military Education and Training 2007; Costa Rica Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance 2007; - United States, Department of Defense, Department of State, Foreign Military Training and DoD Engagement Activities of Interest in Fiscal Years 2007 and 2008 (Washington: January 2008) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies 2008; - United States, Department of Defense, Regional Centers for Security Studies Fiscal Year 2008 Report (Washington: Department of Defense, February 2009) (Link to source).
Sales Table Sources:
- Costa Rica Direct Commercial Sales 2006; - United States, Department of State, Report by the Department of State Pursuant to Sec. 655 of the Foreign Assistance Act (Washington: 2007) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica Direct Commercial Sales 2007; - United States, Department of State, Report by the Department of State Pursuant to Sec. 655 of the Foreign Assistance Act (Washington: May 2008) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica Direct Commercial Sales 2008; - United States, Department of State, Report by the Department of State Pursuant to Sec. 655 of the Foreign Assistance Act (Washington: 2009) (Link to source).
Deployments Table Sources:
- Costa Rica Humanitarian and Civic Assistance 2007; - United States, Department of Defense, Section 1209 Report to Congress on Foreign-Assistance Related Programs Carried out by the Department of Defense (Washington: August 2008) (Link to source).
- Costa Rica Humanitarian and Civic Assistance 2008; - United States, Department of Defense, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Humanitarian and Civic Assistance and Humanitarian Mine Action Programs of the Department of Defense, Fiscal Year 2008, (Washington: Department of Defense, March 1, 2009) (Link to source).
