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Governor Pataki's Missing List
January 25, 2003

NY Times - Editorial

It is well known that the clock ticks at a different speed in Albany, where New York State's business always takes longer than is necessary. That habitual torpor, however, does not excuse Gov. George Pataki's failure to apply in a timely manner for federal funds designed to help make New York City more secure after Sept. 11. The governor has missed two deadlines and caused anxiety among city and state officials who are concerned that Washington may sense a lack of urgency, when there is much to be urgent about.

Mr. Pataki's spokeswoman has defended the delays, arguing that such complicated matters are "too important to rush." They are also too important to languish so far down on the governor's priority list. After all, a full 16 months has elapsed since the disastrous event that made them necessary in the first place.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency promised more than $400 million after the World Trade Center attack in order to harden the city's defenses against a future terrorist assault. Mr. Pataki's representatives have said that because this was not a normal disaster, the request for funding necessitated a different approach. That is true up to a point. But Mr. Pataki's offices have yet to submit a single project for FEMA to review under its "hazard mitigation" program, which is aimed at minimizing the damage from any similar disasters in the future.

In the same period his administration has received dozens of proposals from state, city and private concerns asking for its help getting FEMA funds to harden infrastructure or strengthen bioterrorism defenses at hospitals.

Under the latest deadline, Mr. Pataki has until March 11 to come up with a priority list focusing on ways to enhance the city's security. His office has promised that the requests will be confined to needs in the New York City area. That is a wise move, given the widespread criticism of the governor's earlier pitch for federal funds that included upstate projects as well.

The city certainly needs help. Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants $200 million of the hazard mitigation funds, not only for infrastructure but also for added police and emergency response. So far, FEMA and the federal government have tried to accommodate the city's vast needs. For that reason, it makes no sense in these lean times to dawdle when Washington has the money to help out. If Mr. Pataki waits too long, Washington may be less eager to reach into its pocket in the future.

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© Copyright 2003 NY Times, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Sally Regenhard,
Chairperson

P. O. Box 70
Woodlawn Station
Bronx, NY 10470
SallyR@SkyscraperSafety.org

Monica Gabrielle,
Co-Chairperson

P. O. Box 70
Woodlawn Station
Bronx, NY 10470
monicagabrielle@earthlink.net