WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Dan Boren has secured $270,000 for Southeastern Oklahoma State University to enhance emergency response and public safety through the purchase of a new mass emergency communication system; an emergency power generator; a new fingerprint and document imaging system; and other necessary equipment such as radios and officer uniforms.

The funding was originally included in the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2010 (CJS) which passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year. After the CJS bill was rolled into the Consolidated Appropriations Act of FY 2010 and passed by the U.S. House and Senate over the weekend, the legislation now goes to the president to be signed into law.

“It is an honor to bring this funding to Southeastern Oklahoma State University to help improve public safety and to provide university officials with the best available tools to keep those attending class or working on campus as safe as possible,” Boren said, in a news release. “I pledge to continue working toward bringing these resources to southeast Oklahoma on behalf of school officials, the local public safety agencies and all those in the university community,” Boren said.

“Campus security is a top priority at Southeastern and these funds will certainly enhance our efforts,’’ said Southeastern Interim President Larry Minks. “We look forward to implementing the measures afforded us. And we appreciate the support of Congressman Boren in securing this funding — it is a critical need.”