U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta Tuesday announced a $15 million bus security grant program available for motorcoach operators through the Transportation Security Administration. The program is specifically earmarked for the benefit of private intercity bus operators, and was part of a larger piece of legislation passed by Congress last year. The 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act for Further Recovery From and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States (H.R. 4775) approved $289 billion in federal security funding for various industries and marked the first time monies were specifically set aside for bus operators. "ABA [American Bus Association] fought long and hard for motorcoach security funds. This critical funding is a first step in allowing our operators to better safeguard our nation's buses and terminals," said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA president and CEO.