Airport security gets $98M in stimulus

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- About $98 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds were awarded for airport security technologies, the Department of Homeland Security said.

The funding will be used for advanced technology X-ray units and in-line baggage screening systems, which will enhance the Transportation Security Administration's efforts to beef up airport security while helping the local economy, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Friday when announcing the award.

"These state-of-the-art technologies will strengthen security for travelers by enhancing our capability to detect and disrupt threats," Napolitano said. "Dedicating these vital Recovery Act funds to critical airport security technology projects will create local jobs, streamline the passenger check-in process and bolster security at airports across the nation."

The economic stimulus package signed into law by President Barack Obama last year committed more than $3 billion for homeland security projects through the department and the General Services Administration.