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BART has been awarded a $17.4 million transportation security grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin), whose district covers San Ramon.
The grant will provide funding to secure the Transbay Tube, which connects the East Bay to San Francisco, against a potential terrorist attack.
“My priority is protecting the millions of riders who rely on BART,” said Swalwell, who is a member of the Homeland Security Transportation Security Subcommittee and authored a letter to DHS asking for support in BART’s request for transit security funding.
“The failure to do so could cripple the Bay Area’s economy,” he added.
Bay Area congressional members Mike Honda (D-San Jose), Barbara Lee (D-Oakland), Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose), George Miller (D-Martinez), Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) and Anna G. Eshoo (D-Menlo Park) joined in on Swalwell’s letter.
“We cannot thank Congressman Swalwell enough for his tremendous leadership on securing this critical security funding for our system,” said BART general manager Grace Crunican. “Given all the high priority needs throughout the nation, this amazing proportion of the entire allotment is greatly appreciated and will go a long way in helping protect the BART system, its employees, and over 400,000 weekday riders.”
Last year, Swalwell helped secure a $12.8 million transportation security grant for BART.
