WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is sending the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) $4,271,844 that U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) secured for new buses and security improvement in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 Omnibus Appropriation Bill.RIPTA will use $3,883,494 for the procurement of seventeen new vehicles including eleven 40-foot buses for routes in urban areas and six 30-foot Flex vehicles to provide service in less densely populated communities. The majority of these new buses will replace vehicles that have reached their useful life. These new buses will enable RIPTA to provide more flexible service throughout Rhode Island while maintaining a newer, dependable, environmentally friendly fleet, Reed stated. Reed has secured $26 million for new buses over the last 7 years to help RIPTA update its aging fleet. RIPTA will also receive $388,350 for security improvements at its Elmwood garage facility. The funds will support the installation of a key card entry system for all administration, storage, and maintenance buildings with restricted access to sensitive areas; installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, intrusion alarms and additional fencing; improvements to lighting at building entrances and in parking areas; and more secure metal doors to replace wooden and glass doors.With the expansion of RIPTAs Elmwood facility it is important that there is proper and comprehensive security to ensure that RIPTA continues to provide dependable service for the residents of Rhode Island, Reed stated."Federal funding for eleven new 40-foot buses and 6 smaller "Flex" vehicles will replace aged equipment ensuring RIPTA's fleet is ready to serve customers across Rhode Island's statewide public transportation network," said RIPTA General Manager Alfred J. Moscola. "Security enhancements at RIPTA's Elmwod facility will also be possible thanks to this appropriation." "On behalf of RIPTA, I thank Senator Reed whose help in securing federal funding for public transportation is essential to our operation and progress," added Moscola. Ensuring that Rhode Islanders have transportation to their workplaces is a key to their economic success and the economic success of the state. I fought for this funding because I believe increasing access to work is essential to promoting economic prosperity and the continued growth of Rhode Island," Reed stated. I commend RIPTA for the excellent work it does.Reed secured $21.3 million in Rhode Island transportation funding in the FY 04 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Last month the President signed the FY 05 bill which contained $20.5 million Reed secured for transportation.