Press Room - Governor's Office of Homeland Security

SACRAMENTO - California Homeland Security Director Matthew Bettenhausen today handed a check for $5.4 million dollars to BART officials as the first installment towards improving mass transit security around the state. The funds come from voter- approved Prop 1B, a measure which Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger championed to improve infrastructure, security, and public safety.

"From day one the Governor has pledged that public safety is priority number one." Bettenhausen said. "It's why he added security funds into the bond measure. I'm proud to deliver this check to BART which shows the Governor and OHS are moving quickly to put the money to better protect California's mass transit systems."

One billion of the nearly 20 billion dollars approved will be allocated to enhance security and safety in mass transit systems and the state's ports. California voters approved Proposition 1B in November of 2006, which enacted the Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality, and Port Security Bond Act of 2006.

"The threat to transit systems is one of the most fundamental challenges for all of us." Said Bettenhausen. "The Governor and the Legislature understood the threat and the need for increased security. These funds will help BART with the challenges it confronts keeping Bay Area citizens and riders safe."

BART officials said they will use the money for new security cameras at its stations. The upgrades will allow BART to enhance security and help crime fighting efforts.

The Governor's Office of Homeland Security is charged with administering the Prop 1B funds. It's part of California's strategies to protect its 37 million residents from man-made or natural disaster.

For further information regarding the Governor's Office of Homeland Security please visit our website, www.homeland.ca.gov.