CENTENNIAL, Colo., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- New intelligence centers planned for Colorado and 37 other states are at risk because their federal funding is being cut.
The Denver Post reported Aug. 13 that federal funding used to establish the centers is shrinking. Last week Colorado state officials warned about the financial shortfalls, saying the state was unable to cover rent and operating costs of approximately $300,000.
If the funding for the systems is not restored, state officials say that they would be forced to use media reports and communication systems that predate the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Colorado Department of Public Safety executive director Joe Moralities said, "We're in a different world. It would be a great step backwards, if we were to lose that key tool. You'd lose a key component to share real-time threat information in a timely manner. It boils down to a lack of capacity."
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security gave Colorado a $500,000 grant to establish its intelligence nerve center, located in Centennial. The DHS has spent more than $380 million on similar stations across the country.
According to Colorado state officials, Colorado's share of federal security money under the cuts will shrink from about $4 million a year to $500,000.
