Res. No. 2268
Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to immediately allocate to New York City the necessary funding needed to complete the “anti-nuke screening system.”
By Council Members Nelson, Vallone Jr., Comrie, Fidler, Jackson, James, Koppell and Mealy
Whereas, On October 7, 2009, the United States Congress allocated New York City 20 million dollars - only half of the financial support the City requested from the federal government - to use next year in the City’s completion of the Securing Our Cities program; and
Whereas, Securing Our Cities (the “Program”) is a federal program designed to protect the nation’s largest cities from a nuclear attack by placing a multi-layered ring of sensors at certain entry points into such cities, including highways, toll plazas, bridges, tunnels, and waterways; and
Whereas, The federal government designated New York City as the first site to be outfitted with the Program’s anti-nuke screening system; and
Whereas, In order to complete the program, however, the City needs additional funding to purchase sensors, visual surveillance equipment, and a wireless notification system that would allow regional law enforcement agencies to be immediately notified upon detection of radioactive material, and to conduct training exercises; and
Whereas, According to New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, using almost entirely City funds, the City has developed its own counter terrorism program, spending $300,000,000 last year alone; and
Whereas, Eight years after the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the City still remains a prime target for terrorists; and
Whereas, The recent arrest of Najibullah Zazi, a suspected member of Al Qaeda who is being charged by the federal government for plotting to detonate homemade bombs throughout the City, underscores the importance of safeguarding the City from a nuclear attack; and
Whereas, Because the damage caused by a nuclear attack on the City has the potential to be even worse than the catastrophic results of September 11th and the federal government has the responsibility to make sure New York City is as well protected as possible; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon Congress to immediately allocate to New York City the necessary funding needed to complete the “anti-nuke screening system.”
JCG
11/02/09
LS# 7863