DHS To Use $1B In Stimulus Funds For Baggage Security Systems

The Department of Homeland Security today said it has secured $1 billion in funding through the stimulus bill for aviation security projects, including enhanced checked and carry-on baggage systems.

DHS said the plan allocates "$700 million to checked baggage explosive detection systems and $300 million to checkpoint explosive detection technology," including "enhanced detection of liquid threats in carry-on baggage." DHS secretary Janet Napolitano in a statement estimated the projects would create more than 3,000 jobs.

The Transportation Security Administration is considering such projects for at least 17 airports, including those in Atlanta, New Orleans, Philadelphia and San Francisco.