The Department of Homeland Security has approved funding for a program to protect New York City against a “dirty bomb” or nuclear attack, Sen. Charles Schumer announced yesterday.

Schumer (D-NY) said the Police Department would receive $18.5 million out of a possible $20 million made available nationwide.

The program, called Securing the Cities, includes installing a ring of sensors. Devices at highways, toll plazas, bridges, tunnels and waterways can detect radioactive and nuclear material before it enters the city.

Such devices have already been placed at major entry points. They’ve also been distributed to law enforcers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Schumer said additional funding was needed to buy more sensors, link the equipment and conduct training.