The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the American Trucking Assns.’ (ATA) antiterrorism arm, the Highway Watch program, has been allotted an additional $21-million grant. The money will be available for use on March 2005.
Highway Watch’s primary goal is to prevent attacks by teaching highway professionals to avoid becoming targets for terrorists who would use large vehicles or hazardous cargo as a weapon. The program also trains members of the industry to recognize and report suspicious activity.
“America’s trucks and other transportation workers are in a unique position to contribute to our homeland security,” said Executive Director of DHS’s Office for Domestic Preparedness, C. Suzanne Mencer. “As they travel our nation’s highways, they may be alert to a possible terrorist attack and how to respond appropriately, how to take safety precautions, and how to report suspicious activity.”
