Donovan Helps Secure Increased Homeland Security Grant Funding to Protect New York

Washington, DC – May 22, 2018….Following months of advocacy on behalf of New York City, Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today announced that New York was awarded hundreds of millions in federal funds through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s state and local preparedness grant programs for Fiscal Year 2018. The funding levels for several key anti-terror grant programs, including the Urban Area Security Initiative, State Homeland Security Program, and Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, were maintained or increased from last year.

Congressman Donovan said, “I’ve heard firsthand from NYPD, FDNY, New York City Emergency Management, and Port Authority officials about how grant programs, like the State Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security Initiative, help them secure our community. Threats are increasing in both number and sophistication, and today’s news ensures that those on our frontline of defense have the resources they need to defend New Yorkers.”  

Donovan, who chairs the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, has made it a priority during his time in Congress to improve local and national security defenses. Donovan recently held a hearing, which included witnesses from the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, NYPD, and Port Authority, to highlight how the above mentioned grant programs are critical to securing high-risk urban areas. Testimony from the event was vital to increasing the grant funding allocated to New York for FY2018, as well as reversing more than $400 million in proposed cuts to these programs.

Security Grant Funding:

• Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI): These grants provide high-threat, high-density urban areas with resources to prevent, mitigate, and respond to terror threats. UASI funds are used to support NYC’s anti-terror and emergency preparedness equipment and programs, including the NYPD's Critical Response Command, FDNY’s active shooter response training, and radiological detection tools. In a big win for New York City, UASI funding will rise to $178,750,000. Funding levels were increased by $627,000 from last year.
• State Homeland Security Program (SHSP): This program provides federal funds to state and local entities to allow authorities to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other emergency events. FY2018 SHSP funding levels for New York will be maintained at $76,930,000.
• Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program: The EMPG Program provides funds to assist state and local governments in preparing for all hazards. In line with last year’s funding, New York will receive $15,278,109 for FY2018.

New York City remains a top terrorist target. Recent attacks, including a bombing attempt at a Port Authority terminal, van attack in lower Manhattan, and pressure cooker bomb threat in Chelsea, highlight the increased threats faced by our local community. Strong DHS grant funding is essential to improving our nation’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergency situations.

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