Senators and other experts say Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine should expect to get less Homeland Security grant money this year.
Previously, every state was given a guaranteed minimum amount of money. That funding made up 40% of the available grants from the Department of Homeland Security, and the rest was distributed based on population.
But under new ground rules, money is to be allocated according to risk and need, rather than primarily by population.
Bob Waters, a fire service specialist with the federal agency, told state authorities last week that they shouldn’t ask for money unless they need equipment for critical, front-line duty.