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Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it will award about $400 million in fiscal-year 2006 security funding through the Office of Grants and Training’s Infrastructure Protection Program.

DHS will provide more than $136 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, which covers transit, bus and ferry system operators. Of that, $123 million will be allocated to “Tier 1” urban areas, where transit systems have been determined most at risk based on various factors, such as ridership and underground infrastructure.

The department also will provide $7.2 million to Amtrak to continue improving security in the Northeast Corridor and Chicago, and begin enhancing security on the West Coast. DHS is requiring the national intercity passenger railroad to conduct a risk assessment of its West Coast service area to determine where security improvements are most needed.

In addition, intercity and charter bus services can obtain a portion of $9.5 million, and the American Trucking Association will receive $4.8 million for the Highway Watch program, which recruits and trains highway professionals to identify and report security and safety concerns.

Meanwhile, the country’s 100 most critical seaports will be eligible to compete for a portion of the $168 million available through the Port Security Grant Program. Applicants have 30 days to submit proposals to DHS, which will award funds by Sept. 30.