Following questioning by members of the local media, Helena Police Chief Troy McGee obtained permission from federal officials to release specifics relating to the purpose of a $50,000 grant recently awarded to the HPD.

According to McGee, the award from the Homeland Security's Buffer Zone Protection Program will be used to assist local law enforcement to protect the Federal Reserve Bank, located at 100 Neill Ave.

McGee intends to use the money to purchase items including night vision goggles, hi-tech video equipment and more.

He added that, while the main purpose of the equipment is to assist his officers in responding to a potential terrorist attack at the Federal Reserve, it also is available for use in other types of emergencies.

According to McGee, he decided to apply for the grant following a visit by representatives of the Department of Homeland Security who identified the Federal Reserve as one of the country's several asset sites that could be at risk.

Included in the language of the grant acceptance paperwork was a caveat that local recipients of this type of money are barred from identifying the location that required additional protection.

In fact, McGee was told he could lose the money if he shared details about the location identified as being a potential target for terrorists.

However, federal officials ultimately agreed with McGee that he could release the information.