About $90 million in federal homeland security funding will be heading to New Jersey to improve security on transit systems and help local first responders prepare to respond to terror attacks, Reps. Rodney Frelinghuysen, Chris Smith, Jim Saxton, and Frank LoBiondo announced today. 

    The Fiscal Year 2004 money comes on top of more than $107 million secured by the delegation in FY 03. The breakdown of the money is as follows:

• $55.4 million to help the state, counties, and local governments equip, train and train first responders and to plan and conduct various training exercises
• $32 million for two Urban Area Security Initiatives (UASIs)
• $2.8 million for New Jersey Transit, as well as $2 million to the state for mass transit security

    “Ensuring the safety and security of New Jersey continues to be our top priority. This increased federal homeland security funding helps us meet this responsibility by giving our brave first responders access to funding for equipment, training and planning and, with stronger security measures, protection for our mass transit riders from the dangers and threats of terrorism,” Rep. Frelinghuysen (R-Harding), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, said. 

    “This additional funding is good news for the residents of New Jersey and is an indication that the federal government finally ‘gets it’ when it comes to the need of properly safeguarding the residents and vulnerable assets of our state,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R-Hamilton), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and dean of the state’s Congressional delegation.

    “One year ago, when the first installments of homeland security funding were announced, New Jersey was woefully underfunded and officials failed to take into account costs associated with safeguarding our indispensable infrastructure, major manufacturing plants, and other potential targets. Thanks to the work of our Congressional Delegation, Department of Homeland Security Officials now recognize the extent of our state’s needs and are providing more substantial funding,” Smith added.

    “These funds are to help prevent terrorist attacks, but are also for preparedness should an attack occur,” said Saxton (R-Mount Holly), the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities. “We must be on guard to combat terrorism and protect our citizens as best we can. In the event of an attack, our first responders must have the tools and the training to help potential victims.”

    Added Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-Vineland), Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Subcommittee, “These much needed funds will assist the brave men and women of New Jersey who are the first to answer the call for help. This funding represents an important investment in the safety and security of not only our state, but the rest of the nation as well.

    Last year, members of the delegation met with DHS Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson to press the state’s needs. The meeting and follow-up work resulted in the establishment of two UASI regions in the state, a move that alone brought more than $43 million to the state. 

    The funds for New Jersey Transit can be used to install barricades, add a variety of surveillance and/or detection equipment, improve communications systems, and conduct training exercises. 

    “We look forward to continuing to work together to secure additional federal security funding for our state, especially to make sure the thousands of daily rail commuters are protected,” Smith said.