Pelosi Announces $7 Million for Bay Area Transit Security

July 15, 2005

Pelosi Announces $7 Million for Bay Area Transit Security
Friday, July 15, 2005
Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616
Washington, DC - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today announced more than $7 million in funding for Bay Area rail transit systems. The Transit Security Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office for Domestic Preparedness released the funds to develop and upgrade security technology, install cameras, expand K-9 programs, upgrade emergency response equipment, and increase training and public awareness programs.
"This money is a good start for the San Francisco Bay area, but it is not enough," House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said. "More must be done to protect America from terrorism. Bay Area Members of Congress will continue working with local governments and transportation authorities to increase the federal government's support of security in the region."
The $7.075 million was distributed to the San Francisco Bay Area based on a formula that takes into account ridership, number of track miles and stations, and the level of threat. This money will be distributed through the Regional Transit Security Working Group to the following rail transit systems: Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), Altamont Commuter Express Authority, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, and San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni).
Every day, more than 32 million trips are taken on public transit across the country, compared with fewer than 2 million people boarding planes. Since 9/11, $18 billion has been spent on air security, as compared with only $250 million on ground transportation security. It is crucial to have air safety in our country, but Republicans in Congress must make a stronger commitment to transit security. A $6 billion investment in transit security is needed in our country.
?We know what needs to be done; we know our vulnerability; and we know our exposure -- Congress must act now," Pelosi said. "Democrats will continue to push for common-sense measures to protect America from terrorism by making the necessary investments in transit and port security, protecting our nuclear and chemical plants, and fully equipping our first responders. We just need the cooperation of the Republicans in Congress and the Bush Administration.?