State Health officials want 12 million more dollars for terrorist response plan

State public health officials say they need around 12-million dollars to finish preparations for handling possible terrorist attacks. Department of Public Health Deputy Director David Fries outlined the Department’s wish list today for the State Board of Health. The federal money would help pay for ten new epidemiologists, a new statewide communications system to link up public health officials and new field equipment. Fries says with Iowa’s budget crunch, federal funding seems the best option.He says the department is still working with Emergency Management officials to devise a plan to handle any kind of terrorist threat. Fries says they’re building on the plans already in place.Fries says State Epidemiologist Patricia Quinlisk is in Washington, D.C. today meeting with Congressional leaders to outline the state’s need for funds.