Washington, DC -- Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and Mark Warner (D-VA) today announced a $772,135 security technology award for the Roanoke Regional Airport to acquire explosive detection systems that will streamline baggage screening and enhance security capabilities. The funds were included in the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act as part of the $1 billion for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to strengthen border and transportation security.

“Today’s investment in critical airport security technologies will enable the Roanoke Airport to more efficiently screen passengers and keep Americans safer,” said Senator Webb. 

“These purchases will provide the Roanoke Regional Airport with state-of-the-art security technology and improve customer service for passengers,” Senator Warner added.  

“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,” added Jacqueline Shuck, Roanoke Airport Executive Director.

The Roanoke Airport will receive reduced-size explosives detection systems purchased by the Department of Homeland Security, which quickly scans bags and analyzes the contents for explosives, will be distributed nationwide and is currently in place at more than 200 airports. 

Earlier this year, DHS announced $3.5 billion in DHS and General Services Administration (GSA) ARRA funds devoted to DHS programs. Out of the $1 billion to be spent on TSA aviation security projects, $700 million will be dedicated to checked baggage screening efforts and $300 million will be allocated for checkpoint explosives detection technology. 

To learn more about DHS ARRA projects, visit www.dhs.gov/recovery.