ABA members receive $40 million in security grants

Since 2002, American Bus Association (ABA) members have received nearly $40 million, or 90%, of the $48.8 million in grants awarded to the motorcoach industry to improve bus security by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Since the 2003 fiscal year, 163 ABA members have been recipients of Homeland Security grants. The Intercity Bus Security Grant Program, which has doled out the $48.8 million in grants to the motorcoach industry, is part of a broader effort to enhance the capability of all critical infrastructure sectors to respond appropriately to terrorist attacks, natural disasters and other emergencies. Clyde Hart, ABA senior VP for government affairs, said the ABA will attempt to convince Congress to provide more funds for bus security, even though it has already secured a $12 million appropriation from Congress for FY 2007.