In 2019, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a grant effectiveness case study in New York City, NY to understand how the city uses preparedness funds to increase its ability to prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks. FEMA also examined New York City’s grant allocation and prioritization processes and, throughout the case study, solicited feedback from local officials to inform future improvements to the grant programs.
The case study found that terrorist events and the evolving, persistent threat of terrorism over the past two decades have shaped the missions and priorities of New York City’s public safety institutions. Specifically, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and the New York Police Department (NYPD) have become anti-terror agencies in addition to maintaining their traditional first responder roles. This expansion of scope for the Departments is rare across the Nation and reflects the leading role New York City plays in combating terrorist marketing and ideology. In addition, the case study found that FEMA preparedness funding through the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP), the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), and the Transportation Security Grant Program (TSGP) played an important part in enabling New York City to adapt to these changing threats by investing in building capability to prevent and protect against terrorist attacks and complex emergencies.
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