Smith Announces Homeland Security Funds for Seattle and Sound Transit
November 13, 2003
Congressman Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) is pleased to announce today that the Department of Homeland Security, through the Urban Area Security Initiative, has given the City of Seattle and Sound Transit more than $17 million to help enhance their overall security and preparedness level to prevent, respond and recover from acts of terrorism.
“Washington state, like many other states, has been feeling the financial burden of needing to increase security for our ports, infrastructure, water sources, power plants and airports,” Smith said. “I’m glad that the Administration is recognizing this critical need and are taking the necessary steps in funding our homeland security.”
As one of the largest grant recipients, Seattle was granted over $16 million, based upon a Department of Homeland Security formula that takes into consideration a city’s critical infrastructure, population density and credible threat information. In addition to these funds, another $800,000 was awarded to Sound Transit to enhance the security of its passengers and assets. Sound Transit was chosen based upon the number of annual riders and overall track mileage. Allowable uses of the funds include installation of physical barricades, area monitoring systems, integrated communication systems and prevention planning, training and exercises.