Homeland Security Cuts Could Impact Durham

By 2014, the Town of Durham will likely be forced to reduce or eliminate programs and services funded by the federal Department of Homeland Security.

At the Sept. 10 Board of Selectmen meeting, First Selectman Laura Francis said officials had recently been notified that funding would be "drastically reduced" in two years.

"The DEHMS gravy train is going to be coming to a halt," Francis said.

According to the state's Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, "since the agency’s inception in 2005, DEMHS has administered more than $215 million* in grant funding and disaster assistance to enhance homeland security and all-hazard preparedness across the state."

While no specifics were given as to what programs or equipment the money has funded in Durham, Francis said she is working with regional officials in an attempt to sustain the programs in place.

"That's going to be a big challenge," Francis said. "We will either have to make tough decisions about getting rid of equipment, getting rid of programs, or finding another funding source including coming back to municipalities."

*As of March 2012