State Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee complained Thursday that Rockland County has been denied its fair share of homeland security funding since the attacks of Sept. 11. However, Jaffee said she?s hopeful that other federal money, to be used toward the county?s emergency services, will soon materialize.

A federal grant program called Urban Areas Security Initiative awards other counties, like Westchester, funding. Rockland does not see any of that money, even though Jaffee believes the Palisades Center mall and Tappan Zee Bridge are potential terrorist targets. She also cited the county?s proximity to the Indian Point nuclear facility as further reason to get federal dollars.

?I believe that we should have access to that funding and it has been difficult being New York City controls that funding,? said Jaffee, who represents the state?s 95th District.

In the absence of those funds, Jaffee has been working with the county?s fire and emergency services in an effort to secure a $1 million grant that would be used for upgrading Rockland?s emergency radio system. Jaffee hopes to hear about the status of that grant next month.