DHS issues grants to shield infrastructure

Nearly $400 million in infrastructure protection grants will be awarded to seaports, mass transit systems, chemical plants, rail systems and other critical facilities by September, the Department of Homeland Security announced today.

Nearly $400 million in infrastructure protection grants will be awarded to seaports, mass transit systems, chemical plants, rail systems and other critical facilities by September, the Department of Homeland Security announced today.

The money is intended for developing sustainable, risk-based, critical infrastructure security initiatives for threats that could have devastating impacts, DHS Undersecretary for Preparedness George Foresman said in a news release.

The funding includes $168 million for seaports; $136 million for mass transit systems; $48 million for "buffer zone protection," including nuclear and electric power plants, dams, stadiums and arenas; and $25 million for chemical sector facilities. The rest will go for buses, passenger rail and highway security.

The grant application process began today and will conclude in 30 days.