Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the purchase of more than 1,200 explosives trace detection units using $35.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to improve explosives detection capabilities at airports nationwide while infusing Recovery Act dollars into local economies.
More than 7,000 explosives trace detection units are currently in use by TSA at U.S. airports.
On March 5, DHS announced the initial deployment of ARRA-funded advanced imaging technology (AIT) units to 11 airports - the first of many to receive this new technology as the result of the Recovery Act. AIT units are designed to bolster security by safely screening passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats—including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing.
Since President Obama signed the bill into law on Feb. 17, 2009, DHS announced nearly $600 million in ARRA investments devoted to securing the U.S. aviation system and creating jobs in local communities across the country. ARRA 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, $734 million is dedicated to screening checked baggage and $266 million is allocated for checkpoint explosives detection technologies.
$6.1 million in ARRA funds will be used to purchase 135 chemical analysis devices to identify potential explosives in medically necessary liquids brought through security checkpoints at airports across the country.
In addition, $30.4 million in ARRA funding will be used to expand an inline baggage screening system at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Inline baggage handling systems use state-of-the-art technology to screen checked baggage for explosives more quickly, while streamlining the ticketing and boarding process. The systems also provide on-screen resolution capabilities for TSA officers screening baggage, reducing the number of re-scans and physical bag searches.
