King, Schumer Announce New National Security Role For LIU
One of Six Institutes Selected to Improve Transportation Security

July 25, 2007

For Immediate Release                                               
Carol Danko (King)
202-225-7896
Joshua Vlasto (Schumer)
202-380-5990

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Pete King (R-Seaford), Ranking Member on the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) announced that, through their efforts, Long Island University (LIU) was selected as a component of the National Transportation Security Center of Excellence. As part of the 9/11 Conference Report, LIU will join six other institutes to form the Center, which will work closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on issues of transportation security. In this role, LIU will conduct research and education, as well as develop security training for transportation employees.

“Long Island University is one of our nation’s leading universities for higher education in the field of homeland security, so it’s only fitting that it was selected for this prestigious role.” said Rep. King. “There is great need for a stronger focus on transportation security, and I am thrilled that LIU was chosen for this purpose.”

Sen. Schumer stated, “This funding will give Long Island University the national recognition it deserves in homeland security.  It will both create jobs on Long Island and make our country a lot safer.”

Several Centers of Excellence have been established by DHS; however, this will be the first dedicated entirely to transportation security. To form the Center, LIU’s Homeland Security Management Institute will be joined by the National Transit Institute at Rutgers University, New Jersey; the Connecticut Transportation Institute at the University of Connecticut; Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas; Tougaloo College; and the Mack-Blackwell National Rural Transportation Study Center at the University of Arkansas.

The 9/11 bill grants $18 million for the Center’s formation, a portion of which will go to LIU. The bill is expected to return to the House and Senate floor for a final vote late this week or early next week. Upon passage, it will be sent to the President to be signed into law.

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