New York Awarded $55 Million for Transit and Port Security Systems

Governor Eliot Spitzer announced that the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded New York more than $55 million in supplemental Fiscal Year 2007 funds to enhance transit and port security systems and emergency management capabilities.
"I want to thank Secretary Chertoff for recognizing New York's unique security needs and for providing necessary additional funding to help us better prevent and prepare for terrorist attacks," said Governor Spitzer. "I would also like to extend my thanks to Senators Schumer and Clinton as well as New York's Congressional delegation for their tireless advocacy."

The grants total $55,001,635 and include: $37,200,000 for transit security; $15,467,632; for port security and $2,334,003 for emergency management. Emergency management grants are administered by the State Emergency Management Office.

During fiscal year 2007, the State Office of Homeland Security (OHS) received $367.6 million, an increase of 31%, over the previous fiscal year. In addition, on July 18, the Department of Commerce announced a more than $60 million Public Safety Interoperability Communications (PSIC) grant for New York to help state and local first responders improve public safety communications during a natural or man-made disaster.

Director F. David Sheppard of the New York State Office of Homeland Security said: "We are pleased that DHS has recognized the serious threats to New York State and responded with a substantial increase in funds. We have been working collaboratively with DHS for some time and today's announcement makes it clear that they have been listening to us and our recommendations. We look forward to their continued strong support."

The $37,200,000 for transit security will be allocated by the Regional Transit Security Working Group (RTSWG), which consists of representatives from multiple agencies including Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New York Police Department, New Jersey Transit, Connecticut Department of Transportation, and Westchester County Department of Transportation. The allocation of funds is based on an assessment conducted by state homeland security officials and are used for training, equipment and for the first time, a portion of personnel costs.

The $15,467,632 for port security will be dispersed by the Area Maritime Security Committee. These funds can be applied toward acquisition of specialized equipment and for the continuity of port security operations.

The $2,334,003 for state emergency management comes as an Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and goes to enhance the State Emergency Management Office's (SEMO) emergency management capabilities in a range of areas that include planning, equipping, and training, conducting exercises, and providing for all-hazards emergency management operations.