The Department of Homeland Security announced today that Roanoke Regional Airport will receive new security equipment worth $772,125, purchased with funds provided to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) through the economic recovery package. 

The Roanoke Airport will receive explosive detection systems which can quickly scan bags and analyzes the contents for explosives. Similar equipment is currently in place at more than 200 airports.    

The executive director of the Roanoke Regional Airport, Jacqueline Shuck, said today: 

"We are very excited about this news and our passengers will be thrilled to have their checked baggage screened automatically. The receipt of these two machines will coordinate perfectly with the $2,000,000 baggage system improvement project we have planned for 2010."

Senator Warner said today: “These purchases will provide the Roanoke Regional Airport with state-of-the-art security technology and improve customer service for passengers."

Today's announcement comprises $50 million of the $1 billion total allocation to TSA through the economic stimulus plan.