Homeland Security grants rile D.C., NYC

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Homeland Security Department said Wednesday that the cities of New York and Washington will get less money in this year's allocation of grants, drawing harsh criticism from politicians in both areas.

The department announced the recipients of $1.7 billion distributed through various programs to help states and cities help prepare for potential terror attacks and natural disasters.

Outrage came from members of both parties in New York, where GOP Rep. Peter King, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said "DHS and the administration have declared war on New York City."

Department officials have changed the criteria used to award money under their programs, saying that instead of looking at population, they are trying to focus more on where risks exist. They are also taking into account how well municipalities have used past grants.

The department said there is risk throughout the nation and that preparedness dollars therefore need to be spread out.

One of the more controversial programs is the department's Urban Areas Security Initiative, which is aimed at cities and for which $757 million is being distributed.

New York and Washington are getting less under that program this year. New York, for example, will receive nearly $125 million, a reduction of about $83 million.

Homeland Security officials pointed out, however, that New York is still the largest recipient in the program.

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