NTS training proposal to be discussed

Thursday, Nov. 15, 2001 | 10:09 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., planned to meet with Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham today to discuss a proposal to turn the nuclear bomb-scarred Nevada Test Site into a national counter-terrorism training academy.

Abraham has shown growing interest in the proposal, Reid's aides said. Nevada lawmakers touted the plan before the Sept. 11 attacks. But the attacks put the proposal in a new light for federal officials looking for creative ways to battle terrorism, the lawmakers have said.

Nevada lawmakers say the former Cold War testing ground for atomic bombs is a perfect site for modern-day anti-terrorism training programs, ranging from special operation forces training to bioterrorism simulations for emergency workers. Some of the site's usable underground tunnels would offer unique training conditions, Nevada lawmakers say.

The Test Site in recent years has been home to "weapons of mass destruction" training courses held several times a year for local, state and federal law enforcement officers and emergency response teams. Congress this year expanded the training, allocating $10 million.