The Bush administration wants to change the way federal security money is allocated so more flows to the states facing the greatest threat of terrorist attack, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said Tuesday. Ridge said the administration will propose changing the formula for dispersing hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal aid, which now go to states on a population basis. The homeland security secretary, a former Pennsylvania governor, said the formula should also account for population density, the presence of national landmarks, critical public works projects, and the likelihood of an attack. “Preventing a catastrophic event has got to be the highest priority of the department,” Ridge said. “A catastrophic event is more likely than not to occur in a densely populated area.” Using that criteria, Ridge announced Tuesday that seven cities would share nearly $100 million in federal funds for equipment and training. The cities must show how they plan to spend the money, subject to approval from the Homeland Security Department. Full Story
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