Today's News

$42 million in Recovery Act funds will help improve explosives detection at three airports (8/10)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced Friday approximately $42 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the construction of new inline baggage handling systems at Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Honolulu International Airport (HNL) and Kahului Airport (OGG) — projects designed to streamline passenger check-in and improve explosives detection capabilities, according to a DHS press release.

“Recovery Act projects are utilizing the latest science and technology to secure our country while creating jobs locally. These new inline explosives detection systems will strengthen airport security and streamline the baggage screening process,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Using Recovery Act dollars for these important security enhancements in Hawaii and California will infuse funds directly into the local economies and create more jobs for Americans.”

Sacramento International Airport will receive $11 million, Honolulu International Airport will receive $24 million, and Kahului Airport will receive $7 million in ARRA funding.

Inline baggage handling systems use state-of-the-art technology to efficiently screen baggage for explosives while streamlining the ticketing and boarding process. These systems eliminate the need for passengers to walk their checked baggage to a screening location and wait before proceeding to the security checkpoint. In addition, the systems provide on-screen viewing capabilities for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers conducting baggage screenings and reduce the number of re-scans and physical bag searches.

Since June, Secretary Napolitano has announced more than $62 million in ARRA funding for explosive detection system projects at Orlando International, San Francisco International, Philadelphia International and Jackson Hole Airports. She also announced approximately $7.7 million in ARRA funding for the installation of new closed circuit television systems at four additional airports to enhance threat detection and emergency response efforts.

In awarding ARRA funds, DHS prioritizes shovel-ready projects that infuse resources into local economies quickly while meeting critical security needs. DHS has obligated more than 20 percent of its ARRA funds to date, and is on track to obligate more than 50 percent by the end of September 2009.

ARRA, signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 19, committed more than $3 billion for homeland security projects through DHS and the General Services Administration (GSA). Of the $1 billion allocated to TSA for aviation security projects, $700 million is dedicated to screening checked baggage and $300 million is allocated for checkpoint explosives detection technology.

To learn more about the DHS Recovery Act projects, visit www.dhs.gov/recovery.
You must register or login in order to post comments.

Multimedia

Videos

Image Galleries

ISHN's Favorite Cover Images

Take a look at some of our favorite cover images!

THE ISHN STORE

ANSI/ASSE A10.1-2011 Pre-Project & Pre-Task Safety and Health Planning

This standard establishes the elements and activities for pre-project and pre-task safety and health planning in construction.

More Products

Clear Seas Research

Clear Seas ResearchWith access to over one million professionals and more than 60 industry-specific publications,Clear Seas Research offers relevant insights from those who know your industry best. Let us customize a market research solution that exceeds your marketing goals.

Webinars

ISHN Webinars are an easy, effective and convenient way to get educated and informed on the latest industry trends and topics. All Webinars are FREE unless indicated. For more information, check out our Events page!

STAY CONNECTED

Facebook logo logoYouTube

!-- START OF SmartSource Data Collector TAG -->