Test Site may land a ship

Suzanne Struglinski

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 | 11:50 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- A cargo ship may be seen in the Nevada desert as part of a new $60 million training facility set to be built at the Nevada Test Site.

The National Nuclear Security Administration wants to use a mock cargo ship to test radiation sensor systems and train people how to use them at border crossings, airports and train stations in a 100-acre section of the site.

Construction could start this fall, if Congress provides enough money for the Homeland Security Department project. Completion is scheduled for 2007, NNSA spokesman Darwin Morgan said.

The Homeland Security Department approved the initial $13 million grant for the Test Site to build the training center in February.

Beyond the ship, the facility will include two- or three-mile section of highway, a railroad track section and a mock urban area to conduct searches for radiological material, according to the agency, which controls the Energy Department's nuclear laboratories.

Morgan said the facility will make sure sensors that would be used to detect radiation at seaports, airport or other transportation centers work properly and that people know how to use them.

Morgan said the Test Site has been doing first responder training for at least the past five years and the new facility will be the "next extension" of Homeland Security Department activities taking place there.

The Nevada congressional delegation supports the new center.

"I view this as a perfect match for the unique capabilities of the Nevada Test Site," Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said in a statement.

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., said he was pleased the center will use and expand the "unique capabilities" of the Test Site to protect Americans from radiological threats.

Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley and Republican Rep. Jon Porter highlighted the economic benefits and job opportunities it will provide. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., said the "Nevadans can be proud of the work that will be done in our state on

The National Nuclear Security Administration has $13 million of Homeland Security money to spend this fiscal year on planning, designs and other preparation. It has finished an environmental assessment, which the public can comment on through July 8.