Missouri deploys guard to two nuclear facilities
Date: 02-Nov-01
Country: USA
"While there have been no specific threats against any nuclear facilities in Missouri, I believe it is prudent to send National Guard troops to boost existing security measures after this week's alert from the Justice Department about the potential for another terrorist attack," he said.
Holden also said that Tom Ridge, the national homeland security director, had asked governors to increase security at nuclear plants.
The troops were being sent to the Callaway nuclear plant near the town of Fulton, a facility owned by Ameren Corp and to a reactor at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
This week Guard troops were deployed at four nuclear power stations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi at the request of Entergy Corp ,the nation's third-largest power generator. It also said it asked for the military back-up as a precaution during the heightened state of alert.
Last month similar action was taken at three Entergy nuclear plants in New York and Massachusetts.
In Wichita, Kansas, the regional health department ordered 2 million doses of antibiotics to be ready in case anthrax infections break out, and roadways around McConnell Air Force Base there have been closed in response to terrorism concerns.
The Air Force base is home to refueling tankers and B-1B bombers.
