New federal priorities eventually could mean less homeland security money for South Carolina cities and counties.

South Carolina agencies are preparing for cuts to federal grants for homeland security, as the federal government shifts more money to large cities like New York.

The money is used for equipment, training, planning and drills.

The 2005-2006 federal budget reduces state security funds to about $90 million, an $11 million cut, said Chief Robert Stewart of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, which allocates money to local agencies.

Some local law enforcement officials say they are resigned to the prospect of diminishing budgets.

But federal money has been invaluable in preparing South Carolina for emergencies, such as January’s deadly train crash and chemical spill in Graniteville, they said.

“Anywhere, USA, could be a potential target,” said Lexington County Assistant Sheriff Tim James. “We have to be prepared to respond.”

None of South Carolina’s cities, Stewart said, is large enough to be a federal priority.

Most local agencies still will receive slightly more money in the 2005-2006 fiscal year because SLED will allocate a larger share to municipal and county governments instead of to statewide efforts, Stewart said. But, he said, they should expect reductions beginning next year.

Budget cuts probably are “going to happen,” Stewart said. “We will have to revise South Carolina’s strategy (for spending grants).”

Don Murphy, Richland County’s homeland security coordinator, said the sheriff’s department is concerned about the cuts. “Certainly we count on every penny we get from the federal government.”

But, he said, officials also knew the money wouldn’t always be around.

“We are working hard to put ourselves in the position to do what we need to do,” he said.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control receives about $10 million in federal grants, in addition to the money SLED allocates. And fire departments directly receive a portion of $750 million awarded nationally. Those grants are less likely to decrease, Stewart and others said.

The federal money SLED receives was intended to quickly provide basic services for responses to a chemical or biological incident, Stewart said. Now that many of the essential needs have been met, federal officials have told local agencies that grant decisions will be more risk-based.

“This has always been designed as seed money,” Stewart said.

Dalen Harris, of the National Association of Counties, said the new federal priorities include inner city policing and bolstering transit security.

HOW THE MONEY WAS SPENT

Lexington County will receive $379,000 for general homeland security and an additional $104,000 for law enforcement this budget year.

Over the past few years, the county has used the money to buy air tanks and suits that protect against chemical or biological threats — enough to equip 24 people. The county also bought a specialized box truck to transport the gear and personnel.

It has also used the grants to streamline its radio system, so all departments and municipalities can communicate within the county.

Training first responders has been another county priority, and James worries that that training could suffer because of budget cuts.

Richland County has spent its money mostly on equipment for its bomb squad and SWAT unit, Murphy said. Training has been another priority.

Richland expects to receive $380,000 this year in general homeland security grants, and about $130,000 in law enforcement-specific grants.

While South Carolina may not face a high terrorism threat, James said, the equipment and training are put to use in daily operations, such as dealing with methamphetamine labs.

“It’s disappointing to learn they might prioritize based on the size of the city,” James said. “We understand. It’s just we feel we have a priority right here.”

Reach O’Connor at (803) 771-8435 or johnoconnor@thestate.com.