DHS distributes stimulus funds

DHS distributes stimulus funds The U.S. Department of Homeland Security summarized this week the types of projects it will sponsor with $3.5 billion from the economic recovery law signed by President Obama last month.
   Many items were previously reported, but the list provides a consolidated view of how the money will be spent.
   U.S Customs and Border Protection and the General Services Administration will split $720 million to rebuild and upgrade land ports of entry, many of which are decades old or not configured to handle rising traveler and commercial vehicle volumes.
   CBP's allotment also includes $100 million to upgrade and replace about 20 pieces of older non-intrusive inspection equipment used to scan cargo containers and $60 million for tactical communications equipment and radios.
   The Coast Guard will receive $142 million for its bridge alteration program, which is responsible for removing or altering bridges that unreasonably obstruct traffic on navigable waterways. Another $98 million is dedicated for construction, including shore facilities, aids to navigation and vessel repair or acquisition.
   The Transportation Security Administration is distributing $1 billion to airports for checked baggage explosives detection equipment. No money was provided for cargo screening equipment at a time when airlines and logistics companies are grappling with a new mandate to inspect all cargo carried on passenger planes by August 2010. ' Eric Kulisch