Durbin Announces $13.6 Million in Funding for O'Hare Airport Security
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a $13,600,000 grant to Chicago O’Hare International Airport for the construction of a new inline baggage handling system designed to enhance efforts to strengthen security at the airport.
“Expanding the use of the inline baggage handling technology will strengthen security in Chicago and destinations around the country,” said Durbin. “Bringing in new equipment will help improve the safety and efficiency of travelling through our nation’s airports.”
According to DHS, inline baggage handling systems use state-of-the-art technology to screen baggage for explosives quickly while streamlining the ticketing and boarding process. These systems eliminate the need for passengers to walk checked baggage to a screening location before proceeding to the security checkpoint. They also provide on-screen resolution capabilities for Transportation Security Officers, which reduce the need to re-scan luggage and perform physical bag searches.