D.C., New York Want More Antiterrorism Funding

Washington, D.C., and five other “top priority” cities are due to receive increased federal antiterrorism funds this year under a revised Homeland Security Department grant system, the Washington Post reported Saturday (see GSN, Oct. 25, 2006).

The agency revamped its antiterrorism grant-making program for 2007 to concentrate $410 million, over half the total funds, in just six major urban areas: Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco. 

Last year, the District and New York saw their grant levels dip 40 percent from 2005 levels. 

Officials in the Washington region had requested $140 million in grants for 2007 but could have to settle for $61.6 million.  The planned 2007 grant for the area is a 33-percent increase over last year’s allotment of $46 million, but significantly less than the $77 million awarded in 2005, the Post reported. 

“It’s better, but not enough,” said Representative Tom Davis (R-Va.).  “This is the capital of the free world.  We have to assume it is at or near the top of most terrorists’ target lists.”

Homeland Security intends to distribute $746 million in risk-based grants this year to better prepare cities and states for a terrorist attack (Mary Beth Sheridan, Washington Post, July 14).

New York City should receive $134 million in antiterrorism funds for 2007, far less than the $207 million it received in 2005, said Representative Peter King (R-N.Y.).

King said he “disappointed and angry” at the funding level.  The $134 million, however, marks an 8 percent increase over last year, United Press International reported (United Press International/Earth Times, July 8).

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