Skip to main content

Representatives Lofgren and Honda Announce $9.9 Million in Homeland Security Funding to Enhance Secu

November 13, 2003

Media Contact: Christine Glunz, 202.225.3072

Washington, DC — Representatives Lofgren and Honda (D-San Jose) announced today that the City of San Jose will receive over $9.9 million in grants from the Department of Homeland Security’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) to enhance security and preparedness in San Jose. The grants were given to San Jose to prevent, respond and recover from possible acts of terrorism. In addition, Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) in San Jose will receive $800,000 to enhance the security of its assets and passengers.

“I am gratified that San Jose has been chosen to receive this funding.” Rep. Lofgren said. “As we face a continuing risk of another terrorist attack, these grants from the Department of Homeland Security and will help to provide for much needed improvements in safety and security in San Jose.”

“Given our region’s preeminence in technological innovation, the security of San Jose is critical to our nation’s economic future,” said Rep. Honda. “The grants announced today by the Department of Homeland Security signal the federal government’s commitment to protecting Silicon Valley and its residents against terrorism.”

San Jose is one of 50 cities nationwide to receive part of the $675 million that will be allocated in the form of grants through the states to urban areas selected by the Department of Homeland Security. According to the department, the urban areas are chosen based on a formula that takes into account factors including critical infrastructure, population density and credible threat information. Funding allocations among the cities, contiguous counties and mutual aid partners will be based on an urban area assessment and strategic plan.

Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) in San Jose is one of only 30 mass transit systems across the country that will receive part of $50 million allocated for metro rail transit grants to enhance the security of its assets and passengers. According to the Department of Homeland Security, these transit systems were determined based upon the number of annual riders and overall track mileage. Allowable uses of funds would include installation of physical barricades, area monitoring systems such as; video surveillance, motion detectors, thermal/IR imagery and chemical/radiological material detection systems, integrated communications systems and prevention planning, training and exercises.

Image
Back to top