Threat Level Does Little To Alter Travel Plans

By Peyton Woodson Cooper

Associated Press

WINDSOR LOCKS –– Whether via airplane or commuter train, state travelers Monday seemed only slightly troubled by the nation’s elevated terror alert as Americans grow accustomed heightened security.

The national terror alert level remained at orange Monday, a day after Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge addressed the country saying threat indicators are “perhaps greater now than at any point” since September 11.

“The only thing that went through my mind is I didn’t want to know,” said Deanne McKnight, 34, of Hartford, who waited for her flight to Colorado at Bradley International Airport. “It does make me a little more nervous and it tends to make people that more anxious and quick to overreact about things.”

State police conducted random vehicle searches at Bradley and signs posted throughout the airport informed travelers of the orange alert.

Linda Blanchard, 57, of Waterford, who waited for her flight to Florida, said Ridge’s report did concern her, but not enough to make her cancel her flight.

“There’s nothing you can do,” Ms Blanchard said. “You just have to either cancel you flight or mentally prepare yourself. You have to have depend on the airlines to do their job.”

In a Sunday conference call with the nation’s governors, Mr Ridge said the terror sources are credible and there are specific references to suicide missions and using aircraft and weapons of mass destruction.

While Connecticut has not been listed as a specific target, Governor John G. Rowland and representatives from the state’s various military, police and health departments held a conference call Monday with about 150 of the state’s mayors, first selectmen, and other civic leaders.

Mr Rowland said the state has conducted a conference call with city leaders only about two other times since the September 11 terrorist attacks.

“We do it sparingly, but at critical moments when there are issues to be shared,” he said.

Mr Rowland urged city leaders Monday to use common sense and remain watchful as they work to safeguard their citizens in the wake of the nation’s increased terror alert.

Mr Rowland said in addition to calling 911, citizens can call 866-HLS-TIPS to report any suspicious activities. The governor said his primary concerns are security measures at the airport, Millstone Nuclear Plant, and the state’s bridges.

The governor has asked the Federal Aviation Administration to implement no-fly zones over the Millstone complex in Waterford and the Indian Point plant along the Hudson River in New York state, not far from the Connecticut line.