National Guard to Provide Visible Security Presence at Nuclear Plants

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced the Illinois National Guard will take a more visible presence at Illinois Nuclear Plants joining security measures already in place. This enhanced visible presence will last throughout the period that U. S. Attorney General John Ashcroft indicated American citizens should be on a heightened state of vigilance.

"The National Guard always has been a part of the anti-terrorism security measures we've implemented in Illinois," Governor Ryan said. "Today I'm calling for a more visible presence from them in order to provide a greater measure of comfort for the citizens and a more visible deterrent to anyone who may be thinking of using these plants to inflict harm on Illinois residents.

"I want to assure everyone that we have not been given any warnings about a planned attack on our state or our nuclear facilities. However, I also want Illinoisans to know that we are constantly reviewing our safety measures and will continue to make any enhancements needed. The visible deployment of the National Guard is simply another way to show that we are prepared to address any dangers."