For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced approximately $6 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the construction of a new inline baggage handling system at Jackson Hole Airport.
“DHS Recovery Act projects are utilizing the latest science and technology to secure our country while creating jobs in local communities,” said Secretary Napolitano. “This new inline baggage handling system will enhance efficiency, employee safety, and passenger security at the Jackson Hole Airport.”
The new equipment incorporates enhanced explosive detection technology to provide on-screen viewing capabilities for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers conducting baggage screenings and reduces the number of re-scans and physical bag searches. This will strengthen security efforts while reducing the time necessary to scan baggage. It also will streamline airport procedures for passengers, making it easier for them to move through ticketing and boarding.
Today’s announcement marks Secretary Napolitano’s third unveiling of airport explosive detection projects over the last week, including $15 million for a new system at San Francisco International Airport and $26 million for dual inline systems at Philadelphia International Airport.
In awarding ARRA funds, DHS prioritizes shovel-ready projects that infuse resources into local economies quickly while meeting critical security needs. DHS has obligated nearly 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.
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