Nevadans question security money

Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004 | 11:08 a.m.

SUN WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON -- Nevada's congressional delegation wants an explanation from Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge as to why Nevada -- and Las Vegas in particular -- received less money for security efforts than in past years.

Nevada received $28 million for 2005, a decrease from the $36 million in 2004, according to recent figures.

"Large visiting populations, special events and celebrations such as New Year's, cultural symbols, ease of overland access, the proximity of high-value targets and the presence of major military installations must all be considered," the letter sent today said. "We believe that full consideration of these factors will clearly demonstrate Nevada's unique homeland security challenges and its need for funding beyond that currently allocated for (fiscal year) 2005,"

Reps. Shelley Berkley, a Democrat, and Jim Gibbons and Jon Porter, both Republicans, as well as Sens. Harry Reid, a Democrat, and John Ensign, a Republican, requested more funds and "reasoning behind the reduction in funding," according to the letter. They want the department to reconsider its allocation.

Gibbons, who is in charge of the House Intelligence and Counterterrorism Subcommittee, sent Ridge a separate letter on Friday saying he was "concerned by the apparent lack of attention to tourism and commuter populations and attractiveness of cultural symbols to terrorist planners" as the department allocated grant money.

"I can attest that Las Vegas, as a major tourist attraction and a symbol of one aspect of American culture, deserves unique attention and security assistance from the Department of Homeland Security," Gibbons wrote. "Our local and state law enforcement officials are responsible for protecting millions of people -- residents and tourists -- everyday. "

He wants Ridge to address the issue either via a letter or with a meeting.