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Counter Terrorism Operations Support at Nevada Test Site
Senator John Ensign News Release
Monday, February 2, 2004
Nevada Delegation Applauds Award of $13 Million
Homeland Security Grant for Training at Nevada Test
Site
Funding Will Protect Against Dirty Bombs
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Senators Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and John Ensign
(R-Nev.), and
U.S. Representatives Jim Gibbons (R-Nev.), Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.), and Jon
Porter (R-Nev.)
applauded the award of a $13 million Homeland Security Grant for training at
the Nevada Test
Site (NTS). NTS will receive the funds to build a replica of a U.S. land
border. The complex will
allow for crucial security training to prevent nuclear or radiological
materials, such as a dirty
bomb, from entering the country.
"The threat of a dirty bomb is an unfortunate and dangerous reality," stated
Gibbons. "I am
pleased that the unique capabilities of the Nevada Test Site will be
harnessed and expanded in an
effort to protect Americans from this threat."
"I view this as a perfect match for the unique capabilities of the Nevada
Test Site," Reid said.
"Nevada has a long history of contributing to the critical national security
needs of our country
and this Department of Homeland Security initiative continues this important
tradition."
"We live in a world in which we must be vigilant in protecting ourselves
from nuclear and
radiological threats," Ensign stated. "I commend Bechtel and the Nevada Test
Site for taking the
lead to keep our citizens safe. Nevadans can be proud of the work that will
be done in our state
on behalf of the security of this nation."
The Department of Homeland Security is teaming with the Nevada Test Site,
currently managed
and operated by Bechtel Nevada, to establish a radiological and nuclear
testing and evaluation
capability. The research conducted at NTS will result in development and
deployment of the next
generation of radiological detectors which will be used on our borders and
in our airports.
Specifically, the $13 million in funding is an initial investment for a $70
million complex that
will be comprised of seven testing venues. When completed, the complex will
be utilized to
validate radiation sensors, test radiation detection systems performance,
and train Homeland
Security's Customs and Transportation Security Administration.
"Given the Nevada Test Site's unique history, it is no surprise that it
would be chosen for the
development of systems to protect Las Vegas and other cities from the threat
of a dirty bomb or
nuclear weapon by detecting these materials before they ever arrive on
American soil," said
Berkley. "The Nevada Test Site remains one of the nation's premier locations
for developing and
testing new technology and this project will bring additional jobs and
economic development to
southern Nevada, while helping to safeguard the nation from nuclear and
radiological threats."
"The Nevada Test Site plays an important role in Nevada's economy as well as
critical research
and development for the safety and defense of our nation," said Porter.
"This opportunity offers
our state a unique opportunity in job creation and keeping our country
safe."
"We are delighted to be working with the Nevada Test Site in this important
effort." said Dr.
Charles McQueary, Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Department of
Homeland
Security. "The technologies created through this partnership will support
our efforts to protect
Americans from any potential terrorist activities involving radiological and
nuclear devices."
Erik C. Nielsen
Senior Scientist
Bechtel Nevada - Remote Sensing Laboratory
P.O. Box 98521, M/S RSL-24
Las Vegas, NV 89193
http://www.nv.doe.gov/programs/frmac/
<http://www.nv.doe.gov/programs/frmac/>
Office: (702) 295-8954
Cell: (702) 630-2323
FAX: (702) 794-1038
Pager: (800) 759-8888 PIN: 1076227
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