NEW YORK (Sputnik) — The US Department of Homeland Security has offered UASI as part of a grant program to cities across the United States. The fund was approved to supply $600 million in fiscal year 2016, but President Barack Obama’s proposed budget has allocated only $330 million for fiscal year 2017.
"It is no secret that New York City is one of the world’s top terror targets and the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) helps ensure that we will be prepared for whatever dangers arise," de Blasio stated. "As a city and a nation, we cannot afford to lose this essential funding at a time when we face increased threats."
Under the current proposal, funding would be cut for the York City Police Department’s entire intelligence analyst program, vapor wake dogs, cameras monitoring high profile locations and for radiological and chemical sensors.
US Senator Charles Schumer also issued a statement saying it makes no sense for the Obama administration to cut critically needed anti-terrorism funding at a time when the United States is on high alert.
