The Fiscal Year 2025 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP), administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through FEMA, allocates $83.7 million in funding to enhance security for public transit systems against terrorism. Targeted applicants include specific passenger rail, intra-city bus, and ferry systems, each required to maintain an updated security plan based on vulnerability assessments. The program particularly emphasizes collaboration among transit agencies and regional partners to enhance overall security, and it encourages projects that address national priority areas such as protection of soft targets, cybersecurity, and election security.
Eligible entities can submit one application each, with a funding range between $352,721 and $46,900,219. There is no cost-sharing requirement, and the applications must conform to specific submission formats and deadlines. The review process involves assessing the uniqueness and relevance of applications to the identified vulnerabilities, financial integrity, and the alignment with security objectives. Successful applicants must accept awards within 60 days and comply with various administrative requirements. This funding initiative underscores DHS's focus on securing vital transportation infrastructure and improving resilience against emerging threats.
The FEMA Form 089-4 outlines the Investment Justification process essential for applicants seeking funding through the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP). This document provides comprehensive instructions on developing an Investment Justification (IJ) to address security gaps in transit systems. It emphasizes the necessity of demonstrating how proposed projects align with federal priorities, risk mitigation, and integration into existing security measures. Each investment must highlight equipment needs, partner contributions, and past funding usage while ensuring detailed funding requests that are justified.
The form mandates a narrative response detailing how the investment reduces risk and outlines a funding plan categorized by direct linkages to project activities. Financial need must also be justified, including any potential additional funding sources. Furthermore, applicants are required to present high-level implementation timelines identifying critical milestones. The document underscores the sensitivity of the information contained, restricting its disclosure without proper authorization, thereby underlining the importance of safeguarding security-related data. Through this structured approach, TSGP aims to enhance the security infrastructure across U.S. transit systems significantly.