December 12, 2006

LANSING - Security improvements including fencing, access control and improved radio communications are planned for Detroit's public transportation equipment and facilities, thanks to an $875,829 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The FY 2006 Transit Security Grant will enhance security for bus and rail systems serving communities within the Detroit Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), specifically the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT), Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) and the Detroit People Mover.  Detroit received 7 percent of the total FY 2006 Transit Security Grant Program appropriation.

"Transportation security is of paramount importance to Michigan's overall homeland security efforts," said Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the Michigan State Police and State Director of Homeland Security.  "This grant will allow Detroit's transit agencies to enhance partnerships and information sharing with law enforcement and private security, as well as assess their equipment and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities."

Planned improvements under this grant include:

• $297,672 awarded to SMART for an access control and badge system
• $346,270 to Detroit Transportation Corp. (owner/operator of People Mover) for fencing and gates surrounding the maintenance/storage and operations center
• $161,527 to Detroit Transportation Corp. for an 800 MHz interoperable radio network
• $70,360 to DDOT to upgrade and expand its closed circuit television system, terminals, lots and offices
  

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