WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee and Dean of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, applauded today’s announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to significantly upgrade the Boston metropolitan area’s standing in two grant programs that provide funds for the City’s transit systems and the Port of Boston.  After DHS’s decision last year to place the Port of Boston in the lowest of four risk tiers, Rep. Markey pressed Secretary Chertoff on the need for a higher risk tier – and corresponding larger share of homeland security funding – for the City of Boston and the port.

DHS informed Rep. Markey this morning that the Port of Boston would now be considered a Tier 2 port, not a Tier 4 port, in its threat level rankings, signaling a recognition that Boston faces greater risks than were acknowledged last year and enabling the port to apply for a share of $40 million in funding, compared to only $25 million last year. DHS also has classified Boston’s transit system in the highest risk level - Tier 1 - and increased the amount of transit security funds it will receive by $4 million compared to last year, to $15.3 million this fiscal year compared to $11 million last year.

Rep. Markey said, “DHS’s recognition of the need for increased security funding to meet Boston’s unique security challenges is a welcome change.  Homeland Security may have done some kicking and screaming, but in the end they came to the right decision, which will make the Boston area and our port more secure.  As a symbol of our country’s patriotism and birthplace of American democracy – few cities are more inviting terrorist targets."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2007

CONTACT: Israel Klein
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