Capitol Corridor Receives $1.9 Million Check from Office of Homeland Security

Capitol Corridor Receives $1.9 Million Check from Office of Homeland Security
Voter-Approved Proposition 1b Funds Enhances Passenger Rail Security
OAKLAND, CALIF., April 29, 2008 — California Homeland Security Director Matthew Bettenhausen today announced the state allocated $1.9 million dollars to Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) to help enhance safety and security measures on the system. The $1.9 million is part of the overall $15 million dollars earmarked this year to improve passenger rail safety and security in the state, funding made possible by the voter-approved Prop 1B, a transportation measure to improve infrastructure, security, and public safety.
“The $1.9 million dollar check is the first installment of a multi-year investment totaling $19 million for Capitol Corridor security measures,” said CCJPA Board Member Roger Dickinson. “More and more northern Californians choose the Capitol Corridor because it’s a reliable, efficient, affordable and safe. As we grow, it’s our goal to continue to meet the traveling public’s needs, which includes their need to feel safe when they are on the trains or at the stations.” CCJPA Director Dickinson received a ceremonial check from Director Matthew Bettenhausen at a news conference in Sacramento today.
The Prop 1B bond funding allows the CCJPA to bolster security by installing security cameras throughout the system, enhancing the existing passenger communications system and constructing a Security Operations Center.
“The Proposition 1B funding allocated to Capitol Corridor is a triple win scenario,” said CCJPA Chair Forrest Williams. “By making our passenger rail service safer we are getting more people out of their cars, which eases congestion, improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the region. As an added bonus, these funds reinvested for various security projects will also help create jobs along our corridor.”