January 06, 2004

Tri-Met Will Receive Nearly $1 Million in Homeland Security Funds

Smith, Wyden Announce Funding to Improve Tri-Met Security, Emergency Preparedness

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Senators Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden announced that the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (Tri-Met) will receive $926,394 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to improve transit system security and emergency preparedness. "In today's world greater safety and security for urban commuters is an absolute must," said Smith. "Improving security measures and instituting effective, proven response plans will help keep Oregon safe." "It is imperative that we have the resources to support the safety and security of this key part of the city's transportation infrastructure," said Wyden. "This is a good start." Funds will be used to purchase emergency responder equipment, and for costs related to planning, conducting and evaluating chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) exercises and procedures. Tri-Met may use up to 10% of the gross amount of the award for operational expenses, including overtime costs for personnel, incurred during the ORANGE threat level periods between February and May 2003.