Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Pittsburgh: From the Secret Service

Press Release
September 8, 2009
Contact: (202) 406-5708
GPA 10-09
SECURITY INFORMATION FOR THE PITTSBURGH SUMMIT ANNOUNCED

First phase includes plans for perimeter near David L. Lawrence Convention Center
(Washington, D.C.) – The United States Secret Service in cooperation with its local, state and federal security, public safety and military partners, is developing the overall security plan for the Pittsburgh Summit. The summit will take place Thursday and Friday,
September 24 and 25, 2009.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated the Pittsburgh Summit as a
National Special Security Event (NSSE). When an event is designated an NSSE, the
Secret Service assumes its role as the lead federal agency for the design and
implementation of the operational security plan. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police, as well as a number of other federal, state and local agencies, will play a critical operational role in securing the summit and resources will be deployed to maintain the necessary level of security. These same agencies have been involved in developing the overall security and transportation plans for the summit.
The first phase of closures announced today affect the area near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. In addition to these temporary restrictions, the City of Pittsburgh
will be announcing a more comprehensive transportation plan in the coming days.
Additional announcements are expected in mid-September regarding temporary closures
near the Phipps Conservatory and other possible event sites.
The following security and transportation measures will be in place for the Pittsburgh Summit in and around the David L. Lawrence Convention Center:

Secure Restricted Zone: A map detailing the secure restricted zone is attached.
Beginning at 8 p.m. on September 23, 2009, through 8 p.m. on September 25,
2009, the secure restricted zone will be put in place in downtown near the David
L. Lawrence Convention Center. Information on the security zones will also be
available online on the City of Pittsburgh’s new website at www.g20safety.org.

www.secretservice.gov

Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Safety is developing a comprehensive
downtown-area transportation plan which will be put into effect September 24 -
25. The city expects to release this comprehensive plan the week of September
14, with the primary goal of keeping Pittsburgh safe while still ensuring that
downtown residents, businesses and guests are accommodated to the largest
extent possible. When announced, the transportation plan, along with maps and
other safety information, will be posted on the city’s official summit information
website, www.g20safety.org. Currently, individuals may sign-up via the website
to receive emergency e-mail and text alerts, as well as up-to-date information

Checkpoints: There will be checkpoints to facilitate pedestrian access for
members of the public to businesses and residences on Penn Avenue and 10th
Street. Credentials are not required to enter the pedestrian access area.
Individuals entering these areas within the secure restricted zone will be screened
using magnetometers prior to entering the area. Checkpoints will be located at:
o 9th Street and Penn Avenue
o 10th Street and Liberty Avenue

Prohibited Items: As a security precaution the following items will be
prohibited from the pedestrian access areas within the secure restricted zone:
firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons of any kind and any other items
determined to be a potential safety hazard. Surrendered items will not be returned
or available for pick-up.

Airspace Security: An interagency airspace security plan will be implemented
to provide secure airspace over the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. A Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory listing enhanced restrictions was
released on August 24, 2009 (amended August 31) and can be accessed online at
www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=59419. Pilot inquiries should be directed to
the Special Operations Support Center, available 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT at 202-
267-8276.
It is anticipated that several Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) will be issued in
support of the temporary flight restrictions for this event. All aircraft operators
should check NOTAMs frequently throughout this event for possible changes and
to ensure they are aware of the latest procedures.

Water Security: There will be an enhanced security presence on the waterways
around Pittsburgh. The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port will establish a
waterside security zone starting at 6 a.m., September 24, which will be in effect
through 10 p.m., September 25.

www.secretservice.gov

Navigation will be restricted in the entire width of the rivers from the West End
Bridge (mile marker 0.5) on the Ohio River to the South Shore Marina (mile
marker 1.8) on the Allegheny River to the 10th Street Bridge (mile marker 1.5) on
the Monongahela River. Persons and vessels shall not enter into, depart from, or
move within this security zone unless specifically authorized by the U.S. Coast
Guard Captain of the Port Pittsburgh or a designated representative.
Coast Guard related inquiries should be directed to Lt. Sue Kerver at (504) 671-
2020, with specific inquiries concerning the security zone directed to Lt. j.g.
Douglas Kang at (412) 644-5808 ext 2108. For emergencies, the U.S. Coast
Guard can also be hailed via VHF-FM Channel 16.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: For questions concerning this release, please contact the United
States Secret Service Office of Government and Public Affairs at 202-406-5708.
Questions regarding media credentials and other event-specific questions should be
directed to the White House and/or State Department.