The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will provide $56 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for airport security projects at Charlotte Douglas Int’l Airport, Orlando Int’l Airport and St. Louis Int’l Airport.

The ARRA funds include $45.4 million for a new inline baggage screening system in the main terminal at Charlotte Douglas Int’l Airport, and $3.1 million for the design of an upgraded inline baggage screening system in terminals one and two at St. Louis Int’l Airport.

The inline screening systems use state-of-the art technology to screen checked baggage for explosives more quickly, while streamlining the ticketing process. They also provide on-screen resolution capabilities for security officers screening baggage – reducing the number of re-scans and physical bag searches.

Additionally, Orlando Int’l Airport will receive $7.5 million to expand its CCTV system with several hundred cameras to provide enhanced video surveillance capabilities throughout the airport.

“These enhanced inline baggage screening systems and expanded surveillance capabilities will strengthen our ability to detect and disrupt threats of terrorism,” says DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. “By utilizing Recovery Act funds to enhance vital airport security technology projects, we will continue to streamline the passenger check-in process and enhance airport security, while boosting local economies.”

ARRA, signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 17, 2009, committed more than $3 billion for homeland security projects through DHS and the General Services Administration. Of the $1 billion allocated to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for aviation security projects, $734 million is dedicated to screening checked baggage and $266 million is allocated for checkpoint explosives detection technologies.

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