New York, NY— Monday, at the invitation of Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY), Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Rep. David Price (D-NC) toured NY security sites along with Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Rep. Peter King (R-NY), who attended the “Securing the Cities” demonstration.

The delegation visited Grand Central Terminal, toured critical infrastructure sites by helicopter, and participated in a “Securing the Cities” program demonstration. They were briefed by Governor David Paterson’s office, as well as the DHS Office of Health Affairs, the NYPD and the MTA.

“Finding innovative and effective ways to protect New Yorkers and the residents of other major urban areas is a critical component of our homeland security efforts.  I was pleased to join my friends Steve Israel, Nita Lowey and Peter King as they help our committee to better understand how officials at the city and state level are coordinating with the federal government to meet our homeland security challenges,” said Chairman Price. 

“It’s an honor to have Chairman Price here to see what we’re doing to keep New York safe. This is a great opportunity to explore the progress New York has made and the security challenges we still face,” said Rep. Steve Israel.

“Chairman Price’s visit to New York demonstrates our shared commitment to keeping New York safe,” said Rep. Lowey.  “I look forward to working with Chairman Price and the New York delegation to keep our communities, infrastructure, and families secure.”

The Securing the Cities Initiative is designed to prevent a radiological or nuclear attack on high-risk metropolitan areas. New York was recently awarded $29.5 million in federal funds to support the program. New York is the first site for the initiative. The award will go to the New York City Police Department and include the participation of Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as regional state authorities, the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Rep. Price serves on the House Appropriations Committee and chairs the Subcommittee on Homeland Security. Rep. Israel serves on the House Appropriations Committee. Rep. Lowey serves on the House Appropriations Committee and chairs the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. Rep. King is the Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee.