Security funds for subway cameras held up in limbo

Some $1.3 million in federal aid for security cameras in the subways has been held captive in an agonizing bureaucratic limbo, amNewYork has learned.

In 2008, Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) earmarked the funds to hook up dozens of cameras in Astoria stations. But federal rules prevent the grant from being spent on equipment, so the dollars have been sitting untapped ever since.

“Cameras are invaluable law enforcement tool,” said Assemb. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens), who secured $200,000 in matching funds for the cameras.

A Weiner spokesman said they are working on getting the funding flowing through a different channel, but didn’t indicate when the snafu might clear up.

The MTA said it is continuing to work with Weiner’s office.

Security has been a focus of late after several high-profile crimes in the subways, including at stations that had cameras that didn’t record.