O'Hare gets federal cash to upgrade security

WASHINGTON - O'Hare International Airport has been awarded a $13.6 million grant by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for security improvements.

The funding will be dedicated to the construction of a new inline baggage handling system designed to strengthen security at the bustling airport.

"Bringing in new equipment will help improve the safety and efficiency of traveling through our nation's airports," U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat, said in announcing the funding.

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.

It should eliminate the need for passengers to walk checked baggage to a screening location before proceeding to the security checkpoint. The advances should also reduce the need to re-scan luggage and perform physical bag searches, authorities said.