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The House of Representatives today passed an amendment authored by Congressman Paul Tonko and several colleagues that will ensure that Albany and other small cities across the country can compete for funds through the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). Funding for the program has been cut several times throughout the year, causing Albany and more than 30 others cities to temporarily lose eligibility until funding is restored. Congressman Tonko’s amendment removes language from the FY2012 Homeland Security Appropriations bill (H.R. 2017) that would further restrict UASI funding to only 10 urban areas across the country, regardless of future funding levels.

The amendment was sponsored by members from both parties, representing districts from coast- to-coast, including Congressman Hansen Clarke of Michigan, Congressman Brian Higgins and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter of New York, and Congressman David Reichert of Washington. The amendment passed 273-150, with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“I want to thank my colleagues in the House for taking and stand and recognizing that many of our smaller urban areas have assets that are susceptible to terrorist attacks,” said Congressman Tonko. “It is unfair and shortsighted to shift all of the risk on the backs of local communities, which are already struggling to meet demands on tight budgets. This is a big step toward getting funds restored to the Capital Region.”

The restriction on UASI eligibility would endanger the progress that areas such as Albany have made to prevent, protect against, respond, and recover from terrorist attacks. The Albany Urban Area Working Group, which encompasses Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, and Schoharie Counties, and the cities of Albany, Schenectady, and Troy, has received $11.5 million in UASI funding since 2004. The money has been used to create a regional interoperable communications network to dramatically improve communications between agencies in the event of a regional attack or disaster. The funds have also been used to purchase surveillance cameras to monitor key assets such as water facilities and bridges, purchase equipment and communications gear for local first responders, conduct outreach and create training materials for schools and businesses on potential health threats such as H1N1.

“The federal government has a responsibility to assist our first responders to keep our communities safe from terrorism,” added Congressman Tonko. “Our region is full of potential targets that are vital to our local economy and our citizens deserve the level of protection that the UASI program can provide.”

Final passage in the House of the FY2012 Homeland Security Appropriations bill is expected this week, and the legislation will then move on to the U.S. Senate. Congressman Tonko will push to ensure that his amendment is included in the final Senate legislation and that UASI funding for the Capital Region is restored.

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