DHS allocates $88 million in transit security grants

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last week issued $88 million in transit security grants aimed at protecting transit agencies from acts of terrorism and boosting the resilience of transit infrastructure.

The grants include a $6.2 million award to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) for track and tunnel intrusion technology to be installed throughout its underground rail stations.

"We believe this technology will enhance the safety of our rail network," said Metro Chief Executive Officer Phillip Washington in an emailed legislative alert.

Other recipients include the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which was awarded $5.4 million; Bay Area Rapid Transit, $6.8 million; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, nearly $6.9 million; the Chicago Transit Authority, $10.7 million; and the New York City Police Department for patrolling the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's system, $18.3 million.

DHS also issued a separate $10 million grant to increase the resilience of Amtrak's system.

In May, DHS announced the availability of a total $1.6 billion in grant funding to help prevent acts of terrorism.