Feds Allocate Over $141 Million to Secure Transit

April 15, 2005
The Department of Homeland Security has provided $141,630,806 in funding for the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP), which provides to be used for the protection of regional transit systems and the commuting public from terrorism, especially explosives and non-conventional threats.

The program allocates $135,257,076 for owners and operators of some of the nation's most critical infrastructure, including: $107,900,000 for rail transit systems, $22,357,076 for intra-city bus systems, and $ 5,000,000 for ferry systems. DHS designed this program in coordination with federal partner agencies and industry, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, owners and operators of the nation's mass transit systems, and the American Public Transportation Association.

The department is also awarding $6,373,730 to Amtrak through the Intercity Passenger Rail Security Program (IPRSGP) for security enhancements for intercity passenger rail operations in the Northeast Corridor and at Amtrak's hub in Chicago, Ill.

"These grants will target our resources toward the greatest risk while contributing to the overall security of our nation's transit systems," said Matt A. Mayer, acting executive director of the Department of Homeland Security's Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP).

The grant programs specifically provide funding for the prevention and detection of explosive devices and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents.

DHS awarded $50 million in 2004 and $65 million in 2003 to transit systems. Attached please see a breakdown of TSGP allocations.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

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