US Senator Chuck Schumer is asking for addtional anti-terrorism funding for the Niagra Frontier Transportation Authority's Transit Authority Police Department. Senator Schumer requested that US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano give the application top priority in light of recent threats in the region and in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings. Read about Senator Schumer's efforts in the Niagara Gazette.

STATE NEWS

On Thursday, New York State Department of Transportation made available applications for transportation enhancement projects such as bicycle path construction and streetscape improvements through the federally-funded Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP). Both not-for-profit corporations and municipalities are eligible to apply. For this round of funding, NYSDOT is focusing on: provision of facilities for bicycles and pedestrians; scenic or historicy highway programs; landscaping and other scenic beautification; preservation of abandoned railway corridors; and environmental mitigation to address pollution due to highway runoff or reducing vehicle-caused wildlife deaths.  For more information, read the NYSDOT press release.

MEMBER NEWS

Capital District Transportation Authority was honored last month by the Northeastern Association for the Blind (NABA).  CDTA received the NABA's Corporate Partnership Award in recognition of its longstanding partnership with NABA in efforts to enhance the independence and quality of life of those with visual impairments.  Read more about the honor here.

BUSINESS PARTNER NEWS

Last week Nova Bus won a contract to build at least 300 new buses for the Chicago Transportation Authority.  The Plattsburg company is expected to deliver a prototype in December and begin full production in February 2014.  Read about it in the Press Republican.

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE

Part of the excitement in visiting Bali is often the "bemo" vans that transport people, and often livestock, through the inner-cities.  But, the government is making small strides in establishing a public transportation system through its state-owned Trans Sarbagita bus program.  Read more in the Jakarta Post.