Boston Logan, Chicago O'Hare Latest Recipients
TSA announced an award of
approximately $13.6 million to O'Hare International Airport Monday
(ORD) for the construction of a new inline baggage handling system
designed to enhance TSA's efforts to strengthen security at
airports.
"Inline baggage screening systems are an efficient way to detect
possible explosives and other threats while allowing for a more
streamlined check-in process for passengers," said TSA Federal
Security Director Kathleen Petrowsky. "When this project is
completed, more than 80 percent of the checked baggage at O'Hare
will be screened inline."
The approximately $13.6 million award will come from FY2009
funds and will pay for the design, construction and installation of
an inline baggage screening system in Terminal 1.
"On behalf of Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Department
of Aviation, we are very pleased that the TSA has selected O'Hare
International Airport to receive this technology," said Rosemarie
S. Andolino, Commissioner of the CDA. "This new screening
technology will enhance safety and security for passengers, as well
as employees, at O'Hare, one of the world's global gateways."
In a separate announcement Monday, TSA awarded a $2.5 million
grant for the installation of additional closed circuit television
(CCTV) systems at Logan International Airport (BOS), designed to
assist TSA's efforts to enhance airport security.
"The installation of new cameras in conjunction with an increase
in storage and playback capabilities on our existing cameras will
be a tremendous asset to our security efforts," said Logan
Airport's Federal Security Director George Naccara. "The addition
of these systems will strengthen security and enhance our ability
to respond to security incidents throughout the airport."
The $2.5 million award will enhance the CCTV systems currently
in place at Logan Airport. CCTV systems are an integral part of TSA
and airport security operations, providing a high level of threat
detection and improving emergency response and risk mitigation.
"Having additional CCTV systems at numerous locations throughout
Logan Airport will increase our ability to provide safety for the
general public and the workforce at the airport," said Massport
Director of Aviation Ed Freni. CCTV technology is used at hundreds
of airports across the country. In addition to BOS, TSA has
collaborated with other airports to expand these integrated
security networks.