Omaha off the Homeland Security urban grant list

[Ben]

Earlier this week, the DHS announced its list of cities eligible for money under its urban preparedness program. We had received $8.3 mil last year under the program, and I believe that UNMC's biocontainment unit construction was funded under this grant in prior years.

Last year, NYC complained about its lowered funding levels, and several officials in NY specifically pointed out Omaha's grant as evidence of skewed priorities. I'm surprised that this cut didn't receive more press locally or that Fahey's administration didn't fight the loss more....

Here's the OWH's story covering the loss of this funding:

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=163 ... nd=4611337

[Coyote]

One of the local TV stations interviewed Fahey and he said that he knew last year that Omaha would not receive funding this year. I can't remember now what the reasoning was - but I think that certain rules were changed and we no longer fit their specs - something like being a port of entry...

[Coyote]

Fahey: Omaha Expected Cuts To Anti-Terror Funds

Fahey said it's not clear why Omaha was removed from the eligibility list, but that he knew last year the city would likely not get another big grant.

To get the grant, Omaha needed to be among 45 U.S. cities in the Department of Homeland Security's risk assessment and Omaha didn't make the list. Fahey said the city can and will still apply for other homeland security grants.

[Brad]

No Need for a new thread

http://eomahaforums.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=4581

[StreetsOfOmaha]

I think there would be call for a new thread in this case. The title shows you that there's been new developments. Just because it's the same subject doesn't mean you have to attach it on to a thread that's already seen its discussion through and fallen into the annals of the thread archive.

[Coyote]

The Department of Homeland Security building is getting a $300k remodel.

image.jpeg