Eight airports win tech grants

Transportation Security Administration

Eight U.S. airports received grants from the Transportation Security Administration today for new technologies intended to increase airport terminal security.

A total of $7.8 million was awarded through the grants. The eight airports to receive funding are T.F Green State Airport, R.I.; Newark International Airport, N.J.; Helena Regional Airport, Mont.; Boston Logan International Airport, Mass.; Pittsburgh International Airport, Pa.; Chicago Midway Airport, Ill.; Denver International Airport, Colo.; and Key West International Airport, Fla.

TSA officials plan to award additional grants in the coming weeks, ultimately totaling $17 million for improvements in airport security. Various technologies will be deployed, including state-of-the-art video surveillance systems, advanced ground radar-based security displays and intelligence sensors.

"These grants are designed for airports to work with industry to deploy the newest, most advanced technology commercially available to enhance security to stay one step ahead of those who wish to do us harm," said David Stone, acting administrator for TSA.

Green Airport will buy an advanced ground radar-based display system for detecting trespassing persons or vehicles on airport grounds. This system is also designed to enhance the airport's ground radar used to prevent aircraft collisions on the ground.

The Helena airport will deploy intelligent sensors to detect airport intrusion, while Boston will develop a new network analysis tool to manage resources, equipment and traffic flow.

The Newark, Pittsburgh, Denver and Key West airports will use cutting-edge surveillance systems, while Chicago will get a physical barrier system.

Funding for the program was appropriated to TSA as part of the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act.