Port Authority CEO Steve Bland (front-center) addresses the media during a press conference held May 21 at the Wilkinsburg Park and Ride. Also pictured (back row, left to right) are TSA Federal Security Director Joe Terrell, Congressman Mike Doyle and Congressman Jason Altmire.

On Monday, May 21, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) presented a $928,250 grant to the Port Authority of Allegheny County to improve busway and bus garage security and to continue conducting employee training and emergency drills.

Since 2003, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided approximately $4.3 million to Allegheny County through grants under the Infrastructure Protection Program (IPP), now administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Capabilities Division.

“This award will help the Port Authority of Allegheny County upgrade key security features in its transportation infrastructure, a prime goal of these grants,” said TSA Federal Security Director Joe Terrell. “DHS’s two-tiered approach ensures that communities such as Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have the opportunity to compete for grants that will make a significant difference in protecting transit passengers.”

These awards are part of $14.2 million in grants to Tier II urban areas across the nation. The resources provided by this program strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies that could impact the country’s critical infrastructure.

“We thank DHS for its continued support of Port Authority's security initiatives, which have significantly enhanced the safety of our public transportation system in the Pittsburgh region,” said Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Steve Bland. “Providing a secure environment for our customers and taking proactive measures that help protect our infrastructure will remain critical goals.”