H.R. 1 Authorizes $3.4 Billion for Transit Security President Bush Urged to Sign the Bill
News Release
July 27, 2007
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Virginia Miller (202) 496-4816 |
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The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) applauds Congress for approving H.R. 1, Improving America’s Security Act of 2007, which authorizes a significant increase in transit security funding -- $3.4 billion over the next four years (FY 2008-2011) -- and urges President Bush to sign the bill.
“This historic legislation paves the way for Congress to significantly increase the federal support in the annual appropriations process to improve security for millions of Americans as they ride our nation’s public transportation agencies,” said APTA President William W. Millar. “I am pleased that Congress has recognized the importance of authorizing transit security funding that better addresses security needs in light of terrorist attacks that occurred on public transportation systems in London, Madrid and Moscow. I thank the many members of Congress who worked diligently to pass this groundbreaking legislation.”
H.R. 1 authorizes direct funding to public transportation agencies, without the requirement for a state or local funding match. It authorizes $650 million for FY 2008; $750 million for FY 2009; $900 million for FY 2010; and $1.1 billion for FY 2011.
“Direct security funding to public transportation agencies means that the transit agencies will be able to secure their systems more quickly,” said Millar. “Transit agencies have already expended substantial amounts of their own funds on security improvements.”
In addition, H.R. 1 authorizes funding for continuation of the Public Transportation Information Sharing Analysis Center (ISAC).
“Once signed into law, APTA pledges to work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that the legislation’s new programs are implemented in the most expeditious and cost-effective manner,” concluded Millar.
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APTA is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada.
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