The Buffalo-Niagara Region was recently cut from a portion of Homeland Security funding, and Congressman Brian Higgins is striving to have that funding restored. The Urban Area Security Initiative has been slashed by 61% and the more than $5 million that Western New York received under the program was included in those reductions. Higgins claims that having an international border, the Niagara Power Project and the internationally recognized Falls nearby should qualify the region for security funding.
"These are high impact targets, and thus, federal funds came to our area to help local and federal and state law enforcement officials coordinate efforts to thwart terrorist activity before it can be executed. So, we will continue this effort."
Higgins is leading an effort that involves 30 fellow Representatives in appealing to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to restore eligibility for funding to all 64 regions originally covered under the program.
