U.S. hands out $445 million in security grants - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com

U.S. hands out $445 million in security grants - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com

U.S. hands out $445 million in security grants
Boost in port, transit security includes $93 million for New York City area
The Associated Press
Updated: 3:29 p.m. ET May 10, 2007

WASHINGTON - The Bush administration on Thursday divvied up $445 million in grants to protect commuters, shipping ports, and transit systems from attacks — a boost of more than 10 percent from last year.

The Department of Homeland Security devoted most of the money to seaports and mass transit: $202 million for ports, $155 million in grants to bus and rail lines, and $48.5 million for critical infrastructure around the United States.

Smaller amounts were distributed to protect the nation's passenger rail carrier Amtrak, and bus services like Greyhound and Trailways, as well as trucking and passenger ferry services.

Grant awards are closely scrutinized by city and state officials who measure their funding against previous years — though the bigger fight is usually over which cities are judged at highest risk of attack, and how much money they each get.

New York City, which has complained for years that such grants are spread around too widely, was a big recipient of transit and port aid again this year, receiving some $93 million.

Some of that money is shared with New Jersey and Connecticut, where many of the city's workers live. The area received $79.5 million in 2006, and $50 million in 2005.

© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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