"Portland steps up security in response to terror alert"

Saturday, February 8, 2003

Portland steps up security in response to terror alert
The Oregonian


Portland officials bumped up security at public buildings and "warmed up"
the city's emergency response systems in light of the nation's heightened
terrorism alert status, but they reported receiving no specific threats
indicating that Portland or the region is a terrorism target.

On Friday, Attorney General John Ashcroft raised the national terror alert
from yellow to orange -- the second-highest level in the five-stage
system -- citing an increased likelihood of a terrorist attack on Americans.

At a noon news conference at Portland City Hall, Mayor Vera Katz said people
entering public buildings will be asked to show identification and their
packages and bags could be searched.

Portland Police Assistant Chief Lynnae Berg said the Police Bureau will
focus existing patrols on infrastructure -- such as public buildings,
bridges and reservoirs -- that could be considered terrorist targets, but it
will not increase the number of officers on the street at this time.

Assistant Chief Derrick Foxworth said the Police Bureau is prepared to limit
days off and vacations for officers and is identifying vulnerable places and
talking with other city departments about a coordinated response in case of
an emergency.

Katz urged people to have a three-day food supply and said family members
should discuss plans to meet or contact one another if separated by an
emergency.

"Be aware. Be alert. Don't cancel your plans," Katz said. "We are prepared
to meet situations facing us."

At Portland International Airport, 1,100 parking spaces closest to the
terminal in the main parking garage will be closed to motorists unless they
undergo vehicle checks by security guards.

Steve Johnson, an airport spokesman, said the effects probably won't be
noticed until early next week when peak business travel resumes.

"Usually there is ample parking in the garage without needing to open these
spaces," Johnson said. He said motorists who want to park in the 1,100
spaces will have to wait for approximately 60 seconds while their vehicles
are inspected.

Johnson said the increased parking security might be the only visible change
in airport operations as a result of the heightened terrorism watch.

The federal Transportation Security Administration said local law
enforcement patrols will be increased in and around airports.

The Bonneville Power Administration also is boosting security at all of its
facilities, including thousands of miles of transmission lines in four
states, spokesman Ed Mosey said. He said BPA facilities will limit access to
authorized personnel. Clare Perry of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which
operates Columbia River dams, said Bonneville Dam will remain open to
visitors.

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