CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Gov. Craig Benson has vowed to bring greater scrutiny to the state's emergency management, public health and anti-terrorism spending.
``In my estimation, the money we've been getting has not been put to the best use,'' Benson said Wednesday. ``I am not going to waste any more homeland security money - no ifs, ands or buts.''
At Wednesday's Executive Council meeting, Benson delayed a vote on contracts that would route $2.3 million in federal homeland security grants to nine health centers across the state. The grants, approved by the state Health Department, are intended to set up bio-terrorism response plans and fund existing ones.
As an example of unwise spending, Benson said he was shocked to see an ATV, paid for by federal homeland security funds, at a Fourth of July parade, in a town that was ``not very rural.'' He did not name the town.
Benson said he spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge on Monday, telling him that New Hampshire would not accept federal grants without first determining if they were necessary.
``I told (Ridge) that I am taking different approach than other governors,'' Benson said.
For 2004, New Hampshire is receiving $22 million from the federal government in homeland security money. In past years, the money has gone to police and fire departments, hospitals, health centers and schools.
Benson first mentioned last month that he was changing the funds were distributed in New Hampshire. He said the grants will be distributed on a competitive basis instead of according to population.
Benson had said he wants to ensure that the money is used to respond specific dangers rather than given out to communities in ``little dribs and drabs.''
He identified as priorities the regional hazardous materials teams, regional special operations teams, and mobile radios for all police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
Federal law requires that 80 percent of the money be expended on county and local projects, and not more that 20% on state projects.
Among the contracts delayed Wednesday was a $350,000 grant to Health First Family Care Center in Franklin. Executive director Rick Silverberg said if it's approved, the grant will coordinate groups that could respond to a public health or terrorist emergency, including mental health agencies, hospitals, schools and fire departments.
Also delayed was a $300,000 grant to Greater Derry Community Health Services to work with schools, public television to educate people about emergency preparedness.
