U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand today announced that New York is set to receive millions in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocations. First, Schumer and Gillibrand announced that $174,290,662 in funding for New York City through the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) program in the FY2013 Homeland Security Grant Program Allocation. The UASI program provides funding to address the unique planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise needs of high-threat, high-density Urban Areas, and assists them in building an enhanced and sustainable capacity to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism. Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for UASI funds to be used in New York City.
Schumer and Gillibrand today also announced $66,732,460 in funding through the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP). The SHSP provides funding to support the implementation of the State homeland security strategies to address identified planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise needs to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.
Schumer and Gillibrand also announced funding for New York through the Operation Stonegarden Program; Emergency Management Performance Grants Program; and Transit Security Grant Program.
“With New York City as the primary terrorist target, this Urban Area Security Initiative funding is critical in ensuring that New Yorkers are safe and secure,” said Schumer. “I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has recognized the importance of this investment and has increased New York’s funding share.”
“Over a dozen terror plots have already been thwarted since 9-11 and New York City remains the top terror target in the nation,” said Gillibrand. “We must continue to be vigilant in investing federal resources to keep us safe where there is the greatest risk. This increase in critical anti-terror funds will help arm law enforcement with all the tools necessary to continue protecting New York families.”
The FY 2013 UASI funding allocations total $558,745,566 and New York City is set to receive $174,290,662 or 31 percent of the total pot. This is an increase in $22.7 million from FY12. The FY 2013 SHSP funding allocations total $354,644,123 and New York State is set to receive $66,732,460. This is an increase in $11.1 million from FY12.
States are required to ensure that at least 25 percent of the combined Homeland Security Grant Program funding allocations under SHSP and UASI are dedicated towards law enforcement terrorism prevention activities (LETPA).
Additionally, Schumer and Gillibrand today announced that New York State will receive $1,707,382 in Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) funding. This program provides funding to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal, territorial, state and federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States’ borders along routes of ingress from international borders to include travel corridors in States bordering Mexico and Canada as well as states with international water borders.
New York is set to receive $14,765,038 in Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG). The program provides funding to assist state, local and trial governments in preparing for all hazards, as authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. This section of the Act authorizes FEMA to make grants for the purpose of providing a system of emergency preparedness for the protection of life and property in the United States from hazards and to vest responsibility for emergency preparedness jointly in the Federal Government and the states and their political subdivisions. The intent of FY 13 EMPG is to provide grant funding to assist state emergency management agencies in obtaining the resources required to support the National Preparedness Goal’s associated Mission areas and Core Capabilities. The Federal government, through the EMPG program, provides necessary direction, coordination and guidance and provides necessary assistance so that a comprehensive emergency preparedness system exists for all hazards.
New York is also set to receive $27.5 million through the Transit Security Grant Program. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY MTA) will receive $22,505,670 and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) will receive $5,052,500. This program provides funding to the nation’s high-threat urban areas for enhancement of security measures at critical transit infrastructure including bus, ferry and rail systems.
“The bottomline is New York City continues to be one of the top terror targets in the country and is home to high-threat transportation infrastructure. This critical investment will make sure that our security measures are enhanced on our buses, subways and rail systems,” continued Schumer.