Deep cuts in funding from the federal government to the state of New York will negatively impact that state’s ability to carry out counterterrorism and response training.
Earlier this month, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the impact of the cuts, more than $187 million, would jeopardize funding for bomb squads in the state. The SPTC is currently hosting the annual Excelsior challenge, of the largest and most advanced training for bomb technicians, canine handlers and tactical team operators in the state.
Hochul said the cuts announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem would amount to an 86 percent reduction over the amount given to the state last year. That cut would mean there would be no projected funding for any of the state’s 12 certified bomb squads.
“Cutting vital funding to counterterrorism training and preparedness is not how you keep New Yorkers safe — it’s done by investing in our law enforcement agencies. Secretary Noem has chosen to defund our police instead of supporting them, putting every New York family in harm’s way,” Hochul said. “Let me be clear: The safety of New Yorkers has and always will be my number one priority. This is an attack on New York and the funding must be fully restored.”
In a letter to Noem, Hochul demanded transparency and accountability on the cuts, as well as a full restoration of the funds. The funding was provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) that supports local law enforcement and regional homeland security preparedness efforts, including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities.
Officials said SPTC relies on HSGP funding, and the Excelsior Challenge relies on SPTC funding to train bomb squads across the state. Without funding the program is at risk.
“Federal funding provides us with the necessary framework and resources to sustain the very best service to New Yorkers,” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said. “Law enforcement is constantly challenged to keep pace with the evolving technologies and strategies exploited by criminals to inflict danger upon the unsuspecting public. This crucial funding allows us to share information, effectively collaborate with our law enforcement partners, and keeps us in the top position to meet new threats head-on.”