City Gets $29 Million To Prevent Nuclear Attacks

WASHINGTON — Federal homeland security officials are giving $29.5 million to the NYPD to develop a system to prevent a radiological or nuclear attack on New York City.

The Department of Homeland Security announced the funding yesterday as part of an experimental effort called Secure the Cities. The program aims to keep radiological material — a key component for a so-called "dirty bomb" — from getting into major population centers.

New York's Peter King, who's the ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, has seen trial runs of the equipment. He calls the program "absolutely essential."

Mr. King says the program will put radiological detectors at roads leading into major cities.

My question is why has this not occurred already? Why are New York City subways wired with monitors? Why do we not already have these monitors at all bridge and tunnel crossings? Why not have a blimp floating above New York City with radiological and biological monitors? These measures are long since coming.

New York City is on the front line of the war against terror. Time and time again New York City has been attacked or the subject of various plots. Why has it taken seven years since 9/11 to get these monitors?