Airport to receive federal stimulus dollars

The Kansas City, Mo., Aviation Department has received notification that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award Kansas City International Airport a $9.3 million grant.

The grant is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for new and enhanced closed circuit television systems. These systems provide enhanced surveillance capabilities throughout the airport.

Previously, the Aviation Department received a $7 million grant for the rehabilitation of runways, taxiways and aprons. The airport’s new inline baggage screening system already is completed so it was not eligible for funding.

The Department of Homeland Security announced $57.6 million in funding for six airport security projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The projects are designed to enhance the Transportation Security Administration’s efforts to strengthen security at airports, while creating jobs across the country. Stimulus projects are 100 percent funded and there is no local match.

“The city of Kansas City, Mo., is committed to continuously improving the safety and security of Kansas City International Airport,” Mark VanLoh, aviation director, said. “These state-of-the-art technologies will bolster security for Kansas City travelers and put Kansas Citians to work.”

In awarding the funds, Department of Homeland Security prioritizes shovel-ready projects that infuse resources into local economies quickly while meeting critical security needs.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 19, committed more than $3 billion for homeland security projects through Department of Homeland Security and the General Services Administration.

Of the $1 billion allocated to Transportation Security Administration for aviation security projects, $700 million was dedicated to screening checked baggage and $300 million was allocated for checkpoint explosives detection technology and closed circuit television systems.

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