Homeland Security, Office of

Note: Most recent estimates as of 12/16/08.

Mission

The Office of Homeland Security is responsible for the development and coordination of a comprehensive strategy for counter-terrorism and hazard prevention, preparedness and response, to protect the citizens of the State of New York. Established as a permanent office by anti-terror legislation enacted in July 2004, the Office maintains strong partnerships with relevant State and local agencies, as well as Federal security-related agencies including the Department of Homeland Security. Among its responsibilities are assessments of vulnerability of critical assets, systems and material; policy development; the allocation of Federal homeland security and related funds; cyber readiness and the prevention and detection of cyber events. Additionally, the Office is required to coordinate the collection and dissemination of counter-terrorism information, as well as the development and implementation of a statewide strategy for disaster preparedness training.

Budget Highlights

The Executive Budget recommends $ 524 million All Funds ($18 million General Fund; $506 million Other Funds) for the Office of Homeland Security. This is a net increase of $150 million which primarily reflects an anticipated increase in Federal Homeland Security Grant funding. The General Fund increase of $6.6 million is due to a change in funding sources supporting the Oneida Training Center and the Office of Cyber Security. The Office will continue to take a leadership role in maximizing Federal funding and ensuring distribution of that funding in an effective manner which supports the State’s comprehensive security strategy. Federal funds anticipated from the State Homeland Security Grant and Urban Area Security Initiative programs will continue to be appropriated under the auspices of the Office.

The Executive Budget recommends a staffing level of 186 FTEs for the Office of Homeland Security, a decrease of 6 from the 2008-09 Budget.

Major budget actions include:

• New Federal Grant Programs: Beginning in 2009-10, the Office of Homeland Security will award over $10.5 million in new Federal Homeland Security Grant Programs including $6.9 million under the Interoperable Communications Grant Program (IECGP) and $3.6 million under the Regional Catastrophic Planning Grant Program (RCPGP). In addition, New York State will compete for grant awards under the Emergency Operations Grant Program (EOCGP) and Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG).

• Increase in Federal Award: The 2009-10 Executive Budget recommends an increase in appropriation authority for the Homeland Security Program. Through this program, New York State will receive approximately $500 million during the next fiscal year; an increase of about $150 million.

• Cyber Security Partnerships: The Budget supports the creation of a not-for-profit (NFP) corporation to provide improved and expanded cyber security and critical infrastructure coordination services. The NFP structure will facilitate the development of essential partnerships with and among Federal, State, and local governments and private industry. Such partnerships will increase opportunities to promote innovative and improved approaches that will enhance the State’s capacity to prepare for and respond to rapidly evolving cyber security threats and to coordinate critical infrastructure information.

2009-10 Executive Budget — Agency Presentation
Homeland Security, Office of (PDF)