The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released a statement of disapproval after the House Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security Subcommittee approved legislation that would fund the Port Security Grant Program and the Transit Security Grant Program at $250 million each in 2010, a reduction in the authorized amounts approved in fiscal year 2009.
The lack of funding could leave many ports and transit systems vulnerable to criminal activity and terrorist attacks, according to SIA Director of Government Relations Don Erickson.
“We are very disappointed by the subcommittee’s action,” he says. “Federal grants are a crucial source of revenue for facilities looking to enhance their physical security, and if the appropriations bill passes as written, a lot of projects intended to protect the lives and property of millions of Americans will be left unfunded.”
The full Appropriations Committee is expected to mark up the bill on June 12. SIA is working to have it revised to provide full funding for the ports and transit security grant programs and to ensure that grants are provided without local match requirements.
