Over-the-road bus security assistance

The Secretary shall establish a program for making grants to eligible private operators providing transportation by an over-the-road bus for security improvements described in subsection (b). A recipient of a grant received under subsection (a) shall use the grant funds for one or more of the following: In making grants under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize grant funding based on security risks to bus passengers and the ability of a project to reduce, or enhance response to, that risk, and shall not penalize private operators of over-the-road buses that have taken measures to enhance over-the-road bus transportation security prior to September 11, 2001. In carrying out the responsibilities under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— Not later than 90 days after August 3, 2007, the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation shall determine the most effective and efficient way to distribute grant funds to the recipients of grants determined by the Secretary under subsection (a). Subject to the determination made by the Secretaries, the Secretary may transfer funds to the Secretary of Transportation for the purposes of disbursing funds to the grant recipient. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this section, a grant made under this section shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to subrecipients who provide over-the-road bus transportation under section 5311(f) of title 49 and such other terms and conditions as are determined necessary by the Secretary. A grant made under this section may not be used to make any State or local government cost-sharing contribution under any other Federal law. Each recipient of a grant under this section shall report annually to the Secretary and on the use of such grant funds. In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with over-the-road bus operators and nonprofit employee labor organizations representing over-the-road bus employees, public safety and law enforcement officials. From the amounts appropriated pursuant to section 114(w) 11 See References in Text note below. of title 49, there shall be made available to the Secretary to make grants under this section— Sums appropriated to carry out this section shall remain available until expended.