FEMA Funds NYPD For Emergency Response Activities And Equipment Needed In Wake Of WTC Attack
Release Date: August 30, 2002
Release Number: 1391-146
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New York, NY -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced close to $35 million in additional funds to the state of New York to help the city of New York continue its long-term recovery from the World Trade Center (WTC) attack.
The $34,945,465 in grants reimburse the New York Police Department (NYPD) for emergency response activities, specifically for a variety of equipment used in search and rescue efforts as well as for labor costs in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 disaster. The funding covers the use of:
- Helicopters required to survey the site with specialized cameras to locate trapped persons, and monitor and guide the routing of emergency vehicles through traffic and blocked streets;
- Boats needed to transport injured persons from the scene, direct marina traffic and bring rescue workers to the disaster area;
- Generators for powering lights and rescue tools, air compressors, air-jacking bags used to lift debris, as well as loaders, crawlers, forklifts, and various trucks used in the search effort; and
- Overtime labor related to NYPD emergency search and rescue, security and public safety at the WTC site. Following the attack, tens of thousands of NYPD uniformed and civilian workers worked 12-hour shifts at and around Ground Zero or back-filling for those performing disaster-related emergency work.
With this latest grant, FEMA has approved more than $300 million to the NYPD for emergency response and recovery work.
"The men and women of the New York Police Department inspired the nation with their heroism in the face of unspeakable tragedy and destruction," said FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh. "Their expertise and knowledge in responding to the World Trade Center attack is appreciated by the entire nation."
"The FEMA grant is a welcome acknowledgement of the cost the Police Department incurred in our response to the attack on the World Trade Center," said New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly. "The Department responded literally by land, sea and air, and FEMA is reimbursing us exactly along these lines. We also appreciate Director Allbaugh's recognition of the expertise of our personnel."
New York State Emergency Management Office Director Edward F. Jacoby Jr. said, "This grant is an important acknowledgment of the professionalism that the NYPD brought to bear in those early days following Sept. 11. They took the steps necessary to save lives and protect the citizens of New York. Their acts of courage reassured all of us."
The grant is funded through the FEMA/New York State Public Assistance Program. President Bush authorized FEMA to pay for 100 percent of the program costs following his disaster declaration after the Sept. 11 tragedy. Public Assistance reimburses government agencies and certain non-profits providing a government-like service for eligible disaster-related damages and costs not covered by insurance.
Among the categories eligible for reimbursement are emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair or restoration of damaged public facilities.
Last Modified: Friday, 03-Oct-2003 16:27:02