NYC Transit to Get Big Boost in Homeland Security Funds

A new report says transit systems in and around New York City will see a big increase in the amount of security dollars they get from the Department of Homeland Security.

The Associated Press’ Devlin Barrett says transit systems in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey could get up to $151.2 million in new grant money. Barrett says the boost is more than 50 percent from last year’s $98 million.

The area will also get a $1 million boost in port grants, Barrett says, getting $43 million, up from $42 million.

The transit systems aren’t the only ones getting money, says AP’s Eileen Sullivan. She reports that more cities across the country, including Toledo, Ohio, are considered at high risk of a terrorist attack, according to the DHS’s list of funding priorities.

“Last year the department made 45 cities or regions eligible for a competitive counterterrorism grant program,” Sullivan says. “This year, the list has been expanded to 60 areas that can apply for the nearly $782 million available.”

Sullivan says the seven highest-risk areas - including Los Angeles, New York and Washington - will be competing for about $430 million this year. The remaining 53 will compete for about $352 million.

To read an article on the transit funds, click here: http://www.silive.com/newsflash/metro/index.ssf?/base/news-31/120180085442390.xml&storylist=simetro

To read an article on the city funds, click here: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SECURITY_GRANTS_OHOL-?SITE=OHONN&SECTION=HOME