Grants Opportunities
FY 2007 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP): Ferry Security Supplemental
Questions and Answers
The Investment Justifications (IJs) for the Ferry systems appear to be due March 6, along with the applications. Shouldn’t the Ferry IJs be due at a later date with other Tier I stakeholders?
Technically, the Ferry properties are not being treated as Tier I stakeholders and at this point we are expecting to receive both the applications and the IJs on March 6. However, the Ferry Supplemental Guidance is silent regarding this date. We may be able to work with you to provide you extended time for construction of the IJs.
Is population density a factor in the risk-based funding for Port Security Grants?
Yes.
In reference to the Ferry Security Grant Program, will the Virgin Islands be considered eligible in the near future?
The Virgin Islands are currently eligible for Port Security Grants, though not for the ferry portion of the Transit Security Grant Program.
Is the Ferry-specific application guidance and application kit available online?
Yes. It is available on the www.grants.gov website. It has been issued as a supplemental guidance to the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) grant guidance.
What is the difference between the Ferry Supplemental Guidance and the ferry section of the TSGP?
There is no difference between the two. The Ferry Supplemental guidance is the same as the ferry section of the TSGP.
What assurance do I have that the priorities listed in the guidance are in alignment with the local Captains of the Port?
The priorities in the guidance are national priorities. DHS determines national priorities based on agency input, including the Coast Guard (i.e. Captain of the Port).
Can SAAs take three-percent off the top of Ferry grant funds?
Yes.
Is regional collaboration required?
We encourage collaboration, but do not require it. We also encourage separate project plans from individual transit agencies.
In the past, the TSGP made some allowances for startup maintenance costs for rented dogs. Will that be permitted in this year’s TSGP?
While in the past, start-up costs for canine teams have been allowed, this year’s TSGP does not cover salary costs for dogs. Please submit the details/specifics of your program and needs to askcsid@dhs.gov so we can work with you to determine what possibilities exist to help support your effort.
What factors in the process would lead to a decrease in funding for certain regions even though the Transit/Ferry Grant’s Program allocations have increased?
Ridership and ferry operating assessments are re-evaluated every year in determining a ferry system’s risk factor, which can change from year to year. A decrease in funding from one year to the next can be due to changes in a system’s risk factor when compared with other ferry systems. The Transit/Ferry Grant Program and Port Security Grant Programs are complementary.
North Carolina has 13 ferry routes, yet only 4 are listed as being eligible in the Transit/Ferry Grant Guidance. Why?
The entire North Carolina ferry system is eligible to apply for Transit/Ferry grants.
