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. 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). 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.
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.
