7 cities identified as attractive targets. San Francisco, a potential target for a “catastrophic” terrorist attack, will receive $10 million in new federal money to help protect its residents, the Homeland Security Department announced Tuesday. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said San Francisco and six other cities — New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and Houston — were chosen to receive the grants because of their dense populations or because their national landmarks are seen as attractive targets for terrorists. “Preventing a catastrophic event has got to be the highest priority of the department,” Ridge said. “By definition, a catastrophic event is more likely than not to occur in a densely populated area.” Ridge also pledged to push for a sweeping change in the way homeland security aid is distributed. Instead of doling out grants on the basis of population, he is urging Congress to give more money to areas where people are heavily concentrated or that have national landmarks or critical infrastructure, like major bridges or dams. The shift could be a boon to the Bay Area’s cities but could cost rural areas some money. Full Story
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