Seeking to ensure New Jersey receives its fair share of federal homeland security dollars, the state’s Congressional delegation is meeting today with Homeland Security Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson who is charged with administering much of the funds provided by Congress for state and local homeland security efforts.

    Recently, the entire delegation sent a detailed letter to Secretary Tom Ridge underscoring New Jersey’s eligibility and the critical at-risk cites located in the state.  Today’s meeting was held to follow-up on the letter to make sure federal officials know the state needs help meeting its substantial homeland security obligations.

    “As the nation's most densely populated state, New Jersey has several unique needs that necessitate federal support,” said Smith, dean of the delegation.  “Our state is home to vital pieces of transportation infrastructure including bridges, tunnels, highways, and one of the nation’s busiest airports and seaports, among other things.  These sites and many more must be protected from terror attacks.”

    In the letter to Ridge, the delegation pointed out that the state expects to spend more than $100 million this year alone to guard and protect more than 100 critical at-risk sites including bridges, tunnels, airports, seaports, petroleum, chemical, nuclear and pharmaceutical plants, and military bases throughout the state.

    During the meeting, Hutchinson told Smith and the other Members that they clearly stated their case and that he would spend the next week reviewing the information.

    “We spent the time telling Undersecretary Hutchinson about why New Jersey needs this money so we can protect our citizens.  I have no doubt that we made that case today,” Smith said.

    In addition to the vital pieces of infrastructure, Smith and his colleagues discussed the fact that terrorists lived in New Jersey while they hatched their plots to attack the World Trade Center in 1993 and 2001 as well as additional plots that were foiled by law enforcement. The fall 2001 anthrax crisis also emanated from the state.

    “New Jersey must receive an adequate and fair share of homeland security dollars.  I am confident that Undersecretary Hutchinson understands the state’s predicament and that we will succeed in receiving federal assistance,” Smith said.