NJ More Prepared for Terrorist Attack

Continuing his commitment to the safety and security of New Jersey families and communities, Governor James E. McGreevey met with members of a special committee established to elevate the State's preparedness for a terrorist attack.

"In the aftermath of September 11th, it has become essential to develop plans to protect New Jersey families from a new kind of threat within our Nation's borders," said McGreevey, who has made security one of the top priorities of his administration. "The State's Infrastructure Advisory Committee will be an essential component of our security efforts."

The 24-member committee includes representatives of the gas, water and electric utilizes; nuclear facilities; telecommunications, transportation, health care, chemical and pharmaceutical industries; and other agencies and organizations.

"Each of the committee members represents a sector that serves a vital role within our State," McGreevey said. "Through regular meetings and an ongoing dialogue, the committee is substantially strengthening security in New Jersey."

The panel, established under the Domestic Security Preparedness Act of 2001, serves as a liaison to private industries throughout New Jersey on domestic preparedness and the respective roles and responsibilities of the public and private sectors. The committee also serves as a resource to the State's Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force.

The Governor said each sector represented on the committee is conducting a self-assessment of its industry's security provisions, practices and policies as well as an analysis of the measures required to react to the consequences of a terrorist attack.

"Based upon these assessments, each working group will determine the components of effective security practices within its industry and develop recommendations for the industry to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist activities," McGreevey said.

Committee members also are identifying their needs for security support from State government.

McGreevey has made the safety and security of New Jersey a top priority in his administration. The Governor has announced plans to enhance the safety of regional airports and to construct state-of-the-art training facilities for New Jersey's law enforcement officers. He also has created the Office of Counter Terrorism, which is strengthening New Jersey's antiterrorism law enforcement efforts and serving as a liaison with federal and local law enforcement agencies to improve coordinated efforts among all levels of law enforcement.

Later this month, New Jersey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office will host a security conference titled "Critical Infrastructures: Working Together in a New World". The conference will take place at Princeton University on April 23 and 24.

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Author: Paul Aronsohn