FY 2008 Transit Security Grant Program

Summary

The Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) is one of five grant programs that constitute the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 focus on infrastructure protection activities. TSGP is one tool among a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration to help strengthen the nation's critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. The TSGP is an important component of the Department's effort to enhance the security of the Nation's critical infrastructure. The program provides funds to owners and operators of transit systems (which include intracity bus, rail, and ferry systems) to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism, major disasters, and other emergencies.

FY 2008 TSGP

Agencies eligible for FY 2008 TSGP funding were identified using a comprehensive, empirically-grounded risk analysis model. The risk methodology for the TSGP is consistent across modes and is linked to the risk methodology used to determine eligibility for the core DHS State and local grant programs. TSGP basic eligibility is derived from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). certain ferry systems, may be eligible to participate in the FY 2008 TSGP, and receive funds under the Tier I cooperative agreement process. However, any ferry system electing to participate and receive funds under the FY 2008 TSGP cannot participate in the FY 2008 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), and will not be considered for funding under the FY 2008 PSGP. Likewise, any ferry system that participates in PSGP cannot be considered for funding under TSGP.

Within the TSGP, eligibility for Tier I and Tier II grant awards is predicated on a systematic risk analysis that aggregates all of the eligible transit agencies within a given metropolitan area, and then rates these clusters of eligible systems for comparative risk.

The TSGP risk formula is based on a 100 point scale comprised of threat (20 points) and vulnerability/consequences (80 points) variables. The DHS formula incorporates multiple variables. Each variable set is assigned a weight as part of the overall formula, and all eligible jurisdictions are empirically ranked in each instance on a numerical scale from lowest to highest.

FY 2008 TSGP Grant Resources:

• FY 2008 TSGP Supplemental Grant Guidance (pdf)