For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced $35.4 million in funding for three airport security projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)—designed to enhance the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) efforts to strengthen security at airports while creating jobs across the country.
“These state-of-the-art technologies will bolster security for travelers across the country,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Infusing Recovery Act funds into critical airport projects will create jobs while making Americans safer.”
The ARRA funds announced today include nearly $30 million for reduced-size Explosive Detection Systems (EDS)—checked baggage screening units designed for flexible use at airports with space limitations—at airports nationwide.
Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport will receive $4.1 million in ARRA dollars to fund a new closed circuit television system (CCTV), providing enhanced surveillance capabilities throughout the airport.
In addition, approximately $1.3 million will fund the design of an explosive detection baggage handling system at an existing off-site facility at Orlando International Airport, which will streamline the baggage handling process for passengers and employees.
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 30 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.
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