New York City’s Financial Commitment

New York City's Financial Commitment to World Trade Center-Related Health Initiatives

In 2006, private funding for many WTC-related health services was coming to an end and the federal commitment to monitor and sustain medical treatment for thousands of workers remained uncertain. In response to this emerging financial need, the City of New York began committing funds specifically for WTC-related health problems caused by the terrorist attack on the nation five years earlier.

$50 Million (2008 – 2011): New York City Funding for WTC-related Health Initiatives

Prior to passage of the James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act in late 2010, the City of New York spent more than $50 million on WTC-related health initiatives from 2008 - 2011.

This included funding to:

• treat Lower Manhattan residents, area workers and students at the WTC Environmental Health Center
• establish the time-limited NYC 9/11 Benefit Program Mental Health and Substance Use Services Program, now ended
• conduct scientific research and provide public information in print and online
• staff the WTC Health Coordinator’s office (now closed) and add environmental safety staff

This $50 million expenditure did NOT include substantial federal and private funding to treat Fire Department of New York and other City employees; federal operating costs for maintaining the World Trade Center Health Registry which tracks the health of more than 70,000 people nationwide; or any health insurance, pension or Workers’ Compensation costs associated with the City’s response to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

10% of WTC Health Program Cost (2011 – 2015): New York City’s Cost Share

As part of its continued commitment to 9/11 health monitoring, treatment and research, the City of New York pays 10% of the cost of the WTC Health Program established by the James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The federal government authorized spending up to $1.556 billion on this program from 2011 – 2015. The Zadroga Act was re-authorized to cover the WTC Health Program through 2090, starting with $330M for the next 10 years. After this time, any increase will be tied to the Consumer Price Index, which is a common measure of how much things cost. The City’s cost share does NOT include any of the City’s substantial pension costs associated with the WTC response.