WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, United States Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) announced over one hundred million dollars in federal funds for port, transit and chemical plant security for New Jersey. The funds are part of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Infrastructure Protection Program (IPP).

These funds will be used to strengthen the security around the NY/NJ port, as well local public transit systems, including rail and buses. In addition, resources for chemical plant security were also included in the package announced today for New Jersey by DHS. This year’s awards are almost $11 million more than New Jersey received last year.

"While much more needs to be done to protect our citizens from a terrorist attack, these grants will provide better surveillance and enhanced security at our ports, chemical facilities and public transit systems,” said Lautenberg.

“The security grants announced today is proof of how New Jersey benefits when the risk they face is acknowledged by the federal government,” Menendez said. “These resources will go a long way to ensure that millions of New Jerseyans are protected.”

Additional information about the DHS grants for New Jersey and the region can be found at the following link: http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=5930

Port Security: Funding for 2006: $168 million Port of NY/NJ: $25.7 million Port of Camden: $2.5 million Port of Paulsboro: $2.5 million Total for NJ ports: $30.7 million (18.3% of total)

Transit Security Funding for 2006: $136 million NJ/NY/CT Metro Area: $53.8 million PHL/NJ Metro Area: $9.4 million Total for NJ area: $63.2 million (47.8% of total)

Buffer Zone Protection Program: 2006 Total Funding (General + Chemical): $73 million New Jersey: $7 million - ($7 million = $1.5 million in general + $5.5 million in Chemical Sector