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Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to provide $844 million in security grants as part of its Infrastructure Protection Activities grant program.

The agency will allocate $380.1 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, under which eight urban areas identified as being the highest risk for a terrorist attack will receive a total of $333.2 million, a 46 percent increase compared with 2007’s amount. In addition, 23 Tier II urban areas will receive a total of $16.9 million.

DHS also will provide $25 million for Amtrak to secure underground and underwater track and tunnels, train employees in counter-terrorism measures and expand visible deterrence initiatives.

In addition, the department will award $4.9 million under the Freight Rail Security Grant Program, the first time such funding has been provided. Grants will be allocated to railroads that transport security-sensitive materials through densely populated areas. Funds can be used to develop vulnerability assessments and security plans, and provide security training for front-line employees.

Meanwhile, DHS will provide $388.6 million for the Port Security Grant Program, enabling ports to improve access control and credentialing, implement measures to protect against non-conventional attacks, and conduct emergency-response exercises.