Post by Woody Williams on Oct 7, 2006 8:02:00 GMT -5
U.S. buying the IDNR new security gear
By GAVIN LESNICK
Courier & Press staff writer 464-7449 or lesnickg@courierpress.com
Originally published 12:00 a.m., October 7, 2006
Updated 02:02 a.m., October 7, 2006
Evansville area Department of Natural Resources conservation officers will soon have some new equipment to increase port security along the Ohio River, thanks to a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security.
The grant, which was officially announced Friday, dedicates $1,216,044 to anti-terrorism and law enforcement duties in the state. Nearly $300,000 will be spent on Lake Michigan, with the rest used for ports along the Ohio River.
Three regions on the river, including one containing Vanderburgh, Posey, Warrick and Spencer counties will each use the money to buy a 27-foot, enclosed-cabin powerboat and a truck to tow it with. The boats will be equipped with thermal-imaging devices and side-scan sonar, which officials say will be helpful in times of emergency as well as day-to-day duties.
According to a DNR news release, the primary purpose of the boats is to fight terrorism, although they will also be used for more routine exercises.
"It can be used for any response regardless if it's a flooding condition or anything else," said DNR Maj. Scotty Wilson." It's not only beneficial in a Homeland Security environment. It's a pretty big plus for us."
Wilson said the boats will have a role in preventing terrorism and noted that such action could be necessary because there is a lot of infrastructure and commerce along the river.
The grant will also be used to buy night-vision equipment for about 80 conservation officers along the Ohio River and Lake Michigan.
By GAVIN LESNICK
Courier & Press staff writer 464-7449 or lesnickg@courierpress.com
Originally published 12:00 a.m., October 7, 2006
Updated 02:02 a.m., October 7, 2006
Evansville area Department of Natural Resources conservation officers will soon have some new equipment to increase port security along the Ohio River, thanks to a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security.
The grant, which was officially announced Friday, dedicates $1,216,044 to anti-terrorism and law enforcement duties in the state. Nearly $300,000 will be spent on Lake Michigan, with the rest used for ports along the Ohio River.
Three regions on the river, including one containing Vanderburgh, Posey, Warrick and Spencer counties will each use the money to buy a 27-foot, enclosed-cabin powerboat and a truck to tow it with. The boats will be equipped with thermal-imaging devices and side-scan sonar, which officials say will be helpful in times of emergency as well as day-to-day duties.
According to a DNR news release, the primary purpose of the boats is to fight terrorism, although they will also be used for more routine exercises.
"It can be used for any response regardless if it's a flooding condition or anything else," said DNR Maj. Scotty Wilson." It's not only beneficial in a Homeland Security environment. It's a pretty big plus for us."
Wilson said the boats will have a role in preventing terrorism and noted that such action could be necessary because there is a lot of infrastructure and commerce along the river.
The grant will also be used to buy night-vision equipment for about 80 conservation officers along the Ohio River and Lake Michigan.
