The funding fall comes as federal authorities try to concentrate spending in areas of greatest probability for attack. This continues a three-year effort to address a widely criticized funding scheme that had high-risk states like New York, Florida and California receiving far less, per capita, than less likely terror targets like Utah, Wyoming and Montana.

Utah will receive about $7 million in federal homeland funding to prevent, protect, respond and recover from terrorist attacks and natural disasters, according to figures made public by the Department of Homeland Security.

That's more than a 16 percent drop from what the state received last year and less than a third of what was allotted in 2003 - the first fiscal year following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“Our goal is to effectively manage risk in a way that lessens the vulnerability of the entire country, while preparing the nation to respond effectively to major catastrophes,” Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said in a statement released with the new figures. “The department remains committed to directing resources to areas that are most at risk and to ensure that our state and local partners have the training, equipment, and resources they need to become better prepared.”

Utah's 2007 grant allotments equaled the absolute minimum the state could receive, under levels established by Congress. About a third of all states received minimum funding.

State Division of Homeland Security officials said they were disappointed but not surprised by the announced figures. Spokesman Brian Hyer said the state would do the best it could with what it received.

Hyer suggested previous work to improve disaster preparedness in the state that may have played a role in Utah's funding allocation in a year in which the federal funding formula was weighted in favor of states "at risk."

"There is work yet to be done, but it's important to recognize several enhancements and improvements that have been made throughout the state in recent years to help reduce our risk, to help provide a safe and secure environment and prepare Utah for the unexpected," Hyer said.

mlaplante@sltrib.com