Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the release of application guidance for the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) totaling an estimated $253 million—funds for state, local and territorial governments and private sector entities to strengthen the nation’s transportation infrastructure and protect the traveling public from acts of terrorism and other major disasters.

“These transit grants play a major role in our efforts to work with our state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners to build a national culture of readiness and resilience,” said Secretary Napolitano. “This year’s guidance focuses on maximizing efficiency and value while prioritizing risk in awarding grants to strengthen our nation’s transportation security.”

TSGP awards funds to owners and operators of transit systems—including intercity bus, commuter bus, ferries and all forms of passenger rail—based on their capabilities to reduce risk through training, operational deterrence, drills and public awareness activities; key critical infrastructure and asset protection; and other mitigation activities.

Eligible agencies were determined by the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) urban areas list and the National Transit Database. TSGP Tier I is comprised of the transit agencies in the eight highest-risk urban areas, and will continue to utilize the cooperative agreement process, while Tier II will consist of all other eligible transit agencies.

Applications for the TSGP programs are due Feb. 18, 2010

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