By Calvin Biesecker
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) yesterday announced its FY ’10 homeland security grant allotment for states and localities, totaling nearly $790 million, $190 million less than in FY ’09.
The grant allocations, which were actually delivered to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, drew a strong retort from the New York delegation, which will see fewer federal dollars this year.
“The fact that the Obama administration would cut New York’s homeland security funding just 11 days after the Times Square car bomb attempt is dangerous and unconscionable,” Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement on Wednesday evening. “The threat against New York City, the top target of al-Qaeda, is increasing, not decreasing.”
Under the new allotments, New York City will get $111 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, 27 percent less than the $153 million provided in FY ’09. For the port security grants, the city will receive $33.8 million, a 25 percent cut from the $45 million doled out in FY ’09.
“There is zero question that New York City remains the number one terrorist target for terrorists around the world who want to harm Americans,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D- N.Y.), said in a statement on Wednesday. “I am deeply disappointed by this news, but I am hopeful that not only will the decision be reconsidered, but that we will get full funding for the security initiative in Lower Manhattan and Midtown.”
The Lower Manhattan Security Initiative is an effort by the New York Police Department to use public and private surveillance cameras, license plate readers, as well as chemical, biological and nuclear detectors to provide an integrated layer of security.
Overall, the FY ’10 grant allocations include $288 million for the Port Security Grant Program and $253.4 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, the two largest of the federal homeland security grants.