The events of September 11, 2001 have heightened the national focus on security. At the state and local level, existing emergency management preparedness is being modified and upgraded in response to the threat of terrorist attacks, especially weapons of mass destruction (WMD) such as biological or chemical attacks. Globally, transportation systems have been terrorist targets or involved as the medium for the delivery of terrorist attacks. Transportation systems and assets of all modes and types therefore are a logical focus on an intensified review regarding threat levels, vulnerability, consequences, preparedness, countermeasures and response regimes. At the state level, emergency management agencies are updating their plans and procedures, including the roles of various state agencies and conducting various tabletop and training exercises. State DOTs around the country are also updating their emergency operations plans and programs focusing not only on their external roles responding to the requirements of the state EMAs, but also on their internal programs in terms of organization, roles and relationships, communications, equipments, incident management (IM) planning, etc. These activities have tended to focus on departmental assets and highway-related facilities, but in many cases have included responsibilities for other modes over which departments have jurisdiction.

The purpose of this work is to provide support in the first stages of developing a comprehensive Transportation Security Plan.

Please see the attached information.