U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced today 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). First, Schumer and Gillibrand announced $180,926,000 in Fiscal Year 2015 funding for the New York City area through the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). The UASI program provides funding to address the unique needs of high-threat, high-density Urban Areas. The funding assists these localities in building sustainable capacity to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism. Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for robust UASI funding for New York City.
Schumer and Gillibrand also announced $76,949,000 in funding through the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP). SHSP funding supports the implementation of the strategies to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.
“UASI is the cornerstone of effective prevention against terrorist threats. It enables NYPD to do all they can to keep New Yorkers safe and secure,” said Senator Schumer. “We all know that New York City remains one of the top terrorist targets and this increase in funding will help better protect our city. I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has recognized the importance of this investment.”
“New York City remains the top terror target in the nation and we must continue to be vigilant in investing federal resources to keep us safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Maintaining these critical anti-terror funds will help arm law enforcement with the necessary resources needed to protect New York families.
This year, the Department of Homeland Security provided New York City more in UASI and SHSP funds than in Fiscal year 2014. Last year, New York city was allocated $178 million for the Urban Areas Security Initiative. New York State was allocated $76 million from the State Homeland Security Grant Program.