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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2003
PR- 090-03
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND GOVERNOR GEORGE E. PATAKI ANNOUNCE JOINT PROPOSAL FOR HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Governor George E. Pataki have reached an agreement that will allow the State of New York and the City of New York to work together and submit a joint application for homeland security funds available in the Emergency War Time Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2003.  This agreement will increase the likelihood that both New York City and New York State will be fully reimbursed for the extraordinary costs incurred by both the City and the State to protect New York City during the recent period of heightened security.  Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg will jointly support an 80/20 distribution for discretionary grants for high-threat, densely populated urban areas and critical infrastructure protection, currently proposed at $700 million in the House bill.  The Governor’s and Mayor’s proposal would make the State eligible to be reimbursed within the 80% for its security efforts in New York City. The security expenses of the City would be paid first out of the money allocated by the federal government. The Mayor and the Governor issued the following joint statement:

“In these challenging times, nothing is more important than the safety and security of New Yorkers.  We are partners, City and State, and we will work as partners to ensure that New York receives the funds needed to meet our special security needs.  The City of New York and the State of New York are taking extraordinary steps to keep the people of New York City safe and both governments are entitled to consideration for the significant costs being incurred during this heightened state of alert.  We are confident that New York’s Congressional Delegation, the entire Congress and Secretary Ridge understand the need to give New York special consideration for these security funds and vow to work together to ensure that all of our efforts to protect the people of New York are fully funded.”


 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler 
(212) 788-2958
 
  Lisa Stoll (Governor’s Office) 
(518) 474-8418