Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) announced today that the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) will receive $1,062,847 from the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Domestic Preparedness.  The grant is part of the Urban Areas Security Initiative Mass Transit Security System Grant Program.

 

The goal of the Urban Areas Security Initiative is to increase the capability of large urban areas to prevent, respond to, and recover from threats or acts of terrorism.

 

"Thousands of commuters rely on the safe operation of  METRO to get them to work in the morning and home to their families each evening.   The grant money awarded today will help METRO ensure these travelers remain safe and that one of the nation's largest networks of commuter services is safeguarded against terrorist threat," said Brady.

 

During increased threat levels (Orange and Red), urban areas like Harris County incur tremendous expense.  Funds made available in  today's announcement can be applied to operational expenses, including overtime costs for personnel during times of increased threat. 

 

Harris County may also choose to use these funds to purchase emergency responder equipment and to offset costs associated with planning, conducting and evaluating chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) exercises.  Harris County Metro conducted such an exercise on September 25, 2003.  Over 1000 emergency responders and 20 government agencies participated in the emergency response drill, hosted by METRO evaluating how participants respond to simulated terrorism incidents involving METRO operations causing mass casualties during a major special event at Reliant Park. The hypothetical "Fall Festival" involved 100,000 fans for all-day concerts, exhibits and rides at Reliant Park and AstroWorld.

 

Congressman Kevin Brady represents North and Northwest  Harris County in the eighth Congressional District.