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In fiscal year 2006, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) might have a little more money to throw public transit’s way. The department’s proposed FY2006 budget includes a Targeted Infrastructure Protection program, which would enable DHS to provide $600 million in grants to help protect critical infrastructure for public transit agencies, railways, seaports and energy facilities.

The proposal marks the first time that a federal infrastructure security program includes funds for public transit, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

However, the program does not meet infrastructure security needs, APTA officials said, adding that the public transportation industry alone has identified $6 billion security needs. Officials also are concerned about the uncertainty of security funds since the DHS budget does not include a specific appropriation for transit security.

In FY2005, DHS’ budget included $150 million for transportation security, which is being divvied up between freight and intercity rail, and other transit modes.