DHS shuffles antiterror funding

At the beginning of this month the U.S. Department of Homeland Security released its fiscal 2006 funding for antiterrorism preparedness and response. The figures include major changes in the funding for some U.S. cities. The agency is disposing of some US$1.7 billion, which includes funding for 46 urban areas under the Urban Areas Security Initiative, and it has adjusted funding according to a review of those areas facing the greatest risk.

The allocations quickly became political, with areas whose funding was trimmed expressing anger. Republican Peter King of New York described the city's loss of almost half of its antiterror allocation — from US$207 million to US$124 million — as a "knife in the back to New York" and promised to make the DHS "very sorry" about the decision. Other areas being cut back included the National Capital Region, San Diego, New Orleans, Boston and Phoenix, Arizona. Funding increased for Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and a number of smaller cities.


San Diego Port Police Dive Rescue Team on a drill

San Diego Port Police Dive Rescue Team on a drill