NEW PORT AND TRANSIT SECURITY FUNDS FOR NJ ARE WELCOME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 9, 2007

CONTACTS: Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744

SEN. MENEDEZ SAYS NEW PORT AND TRANSIT SECURITY FUNDS FOR NJ ARE A WELCOME PART OF A MUCH-NEEDED FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITY

Security grants for ports up $1.6 million over last year, though state given smaller percentage of overall port funds

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security today announced the allocation of port and transit security grants. Among the key figures are:

· $32.1 million for New Jersey ports ($27.3 million for NY/NJ; $4.8 million for Camden )

· $70.7 million for New Jersey transit security ($61 million for New York City/Northern New Jersey; $9.7 million for Pennsylvania/New Jersey)

· $1.5 million in ferry grants for New York City/Jersey City/Newark

· $1.54 million for the Buffer Zone Protection Program

“Security funds like these are much needed in our state – this year and every year,” said Sen. Menendez. “ New Jersey is a target-rich state, and if we are going to continue to be prepared for potential attacks, it is going to take a long-term homeland security commitment and investment from the federal government. I welcome the allocation of these grants, and I hope for a sustained and robust level of security funds in the coming years.”

Despite the increase in overall funds to New Jersey in this latest round of port security grants, the state’s share of the nationwide total decreased from 18.3% last year to 15.8% this year.

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