Lieberman Critical On Homeland Security Funds

WASHINGTON (AP) — US Sen Joe Lieberman criticized Homeland Security Department officials on Tuesday for failing to make Connecticut cities eligible this year for grants to fight terrorism and other threats.

“I am deeply disappointed, once again, that Connecticut’s most populous cities will not be eligible to apply for these critical risk-based security grants,” Lieberman said in a written statement.

Lieberman’s comments came after an announcement by homeland security officials that 46 metropolitan areas would be eligible for grants under a new funding formula that emphasizes the terror, natural disaster and health risks cities face.

There have been complaints that areas seen as unlikely to be terror targets, such as rural locations, have gotten homeland security aid.

Lieberman cited his state’s proximity to New York City, its Strategic Petroleum Reserve storage facility and its nuclear submarine base as risk factors.

“Connecticuters rightfully view themselves as within the area that could be hit by the next terrorist attack and yet they receive only minimal assistance to defend against and prepare for that day,” he said.

The senator noted New Haven was eligible for homeland security aid in 2004, but failed to make the cut this year.

Lieberman also blamed the Bush Administration for reducing homeland security fund spending.

Homeland security officials said Tuesday that more counterterrorism money will go to cities at greater risk, an announcement creating a list of potential winners and losers among dozens of metropolitan areas competing for funds.

The urban area security initiative is being cut to $765 million from the $855 million Congress provided last year.