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.

FMI: www.tsa.gov