New York State receives $319.85M in homeland security grants

U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan (R-NY), chair of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, recently announced that New York State has been awarded $319.85 million through the Homeland Security Preparedness Grant programs for fiscal year 2017.

A major portion of the funding will benefit New York City through various grants and programs, including the Urban Area Security Initiative, Nonprofit Security Grant Program, Port Security Grant Program and Transit Security Program.

“Ensuring that New York City has the resources it needs to prevent and respond to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other emergency situations is critical to protecting our communities,” Donovan said. “These funds will provide the NYPD, FDNY, and NYC Transit and emergency management authorities with funding that will enhance our safety and security here at home. As the top terrorist target in the globe, New York City faces unique security challenges, and I will always fight to ensure that our first responders have the tools necessary to address any threat.”

Specifically, $178 million was awarded for use in the New York City area through the Urban Area Security Initiative. UASI funds support New York City’s anti-terror and emergency preparedness equipment and programs including the New York City Police Department’s Critical Response Command, New York City Fire Department’s active shooter response training, and radiological detection tools.