A major cut to federal counterterrorism funding is putting public safety efforts across New York at risk — and local leaders say the timing couldn’t be worse.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security slashed New York’s funding for public safety and homeland security programs by 86 percent, cutting $187 million from last year’s total. The move affects training, equipment, and emergency preparedness programs used by law enforcement agencies statewide, including all 12 certified bomb squads.
At the heart of the impact is the State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC), which relies heavily on these federal dollars. The center is currently hosting its annual Excelsior Challenge, a high-level training event for bomb technicians, canine handlers, and tactical response teams. Without restored funding, future trainings could be severely limited or eliminated altogether.
Local leaders call out “reckless” decision
Mayors, county executives, and police officials across the state are calling the cuts dangerous and politically motivated.
“These drastic federal cuts put our residents at risk,” said Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor Rebecca Edwards. “We depend on these funds to train officers and protect our community.”
From Rochester to Rockland County, leaders echoed concerns that the cuts will weaken law enforcement readiness, reduce collaboration across agencies, and shift the financial burden onto already stretched local governments.
City of White Plains Mayor Tom Roach said, “We need stronger partnerships and sustained support — not reductions that put our communities at risk.”
What’s at stake
The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) supports everything from intelligence gathering to equipment purchases and large-scale emergency response training. Most of the funds go directly to local governments.
This year, there is no projected funding for any of New York’s certified bomb squads — including units in New York City, Erie, Monroe, Onondaga, and Suffolk counties.
At the Excelsior Challenge training event in Oriskany, law enforcement teams from across the region are taking part in simulated scenarios designed to sharpen response tactics and communication under pressure. State officials say these exercises are critical for keeping New Yorkers safe — and nearly impossible to continue without sustained federal support.
“Public safety isn’t optional,” said City of Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie. “Pulling back this funding makes it harder to deliver the protection our residents count on.”
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