Schumer to Chertoff: More anti-terror funds for high-risk cities or Congress will require them

NY Post: CHUCK 'TERROR' THREAT: MORE FUNDS - OR ELSE
By IKIMULISA LIVINGSTON and GEOFF EARLE

January 8, 2007 -- Sen. Charles Schumer yesterday blasted the latest formula for allocating anti-terror funds to high-risk cities, and told the Department of Homeland Security that if it doesn't revise the process, the new Senate and House will.

"DHS has a history of delusion," said Schumer (D-N.Y.). "Once again, shortchanging our city, the nation's No. 1 terrorist target."

After being criticized for giving money to popcorn factories and petting zoos instead of high-profile sites like the Brooklyn Bridge, Homeland Security changed its formula for allocating funding. Yet, Schumer said, it still stiffs New Yorkers.

For 2007, a pool of $746 million will be distributed to areas considered to be at risk. Fifty-five percent will to go the six most at-risk urban areas, including New York City....

"If Secretary Chertoff is unwilling to overhaul the current system so that the funding formula is really based on risk, in this new Senate and this new House, we will push legislation to require him to do so."

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