DHS awards $140 million in transit security grants
But public transportation advocates argue that at least $2 billion is needed.
The Homeland Security Department will provide more grant money in 2005 for transit security than any previous year, but the amount falls far short of what public transportation advocates say is needed.
DHS announced Tuesday that it will provide more than $140 million in grants to help secure public transportation infrastructure, including rail, intracity bus, and ferry systems. The department awarded grants totaling $50 million in 2004 and $65 million in 2003 to help protect transit systems.
"These grants will target our resources toward the greatest risk while contributing to the overall security of our nation's transit systems," said Matt Mayer, acting executive director of the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness.
The Transit Security Grant Program specifically provides funding for the prevention and detection of explosive devices and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents. DHS said it designed the program in coordination with federal agencies and industry, including owners and operators of the nation's mass transit systems and the American Public Transportation Association.
APTA said in a statement that it was pleased DHS made the grant allocations, adding that the amount is larger than the previous two years combined. But the organization noted that the amount is nowhere near what public transportation owners and operators say is needed.
"This is definitely a step in the right direction; however, the public transportation industry needs $6 billion to meet its security needs," said APTA president William Millar. "In addition, the money needs to go directly to the transit agency without delay."
Comparatively, the administration has spent about $12 billion on aviation security since the 9/11 attacks.
APTA said states have to apply for the new grant money, and state governments can take up to 3 percent of the allocation, which means less for transit agencies and possible delays in receiving money.
Last week, APTA asked the House Appropriations Committee to provide $2 billion for transit security for fiscal 2006, which is the amount that owners and operators say they have already spent on their own to make security improvements.
"Since 9/11, the American public transportation industry has invested over $2 billion in security," Millar said. "In the same time period, the federal government has invested $250 million in transit security. We urge Congress and the Bush administration to make transit security a priority and to fund it at an appropriate level."