Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) wants to bring $1 million in
federal money to Long Island to help in the development of technologies
that would aid first responders to disasters.
 
He announced his push at a news conference Thursday at the Morrelly
Homeland Security Center in Bethpage. The funds would create about five
high-tech research and development jobs at the center, initially in
areas such as engineering and computer programming, according to
executives who joined Israel. But many more jobs will be created "down
stream" when the technologies catch on, the executives added.
 
How long the center might have to wait for the funds is a big question
mark because the money is included in legislation that is part of the
2009 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act that has yet to
be voted on by the full House and Senate. That isn't expected to happen
until the fall, Israel said. But he is confident the measure, which has
been approved by a House committee, will pass.
 
"I can't think of a higher priority than job growth and homeland security," Israel said.
 
He said he sought the funding because he believes government must
provide the environment and funding for innovative technology used to
protect against terrorist attacks.
 
Private industry won't take the lead if it can't see the commercial
value of new technologies, said Ray Donnelly, a deputy executive
director for the Bethpage-based Long Island Forum for Technology, which
co-hosted the event.
 
So he said, "Government has to take the risks."