Posted on 03/07/2008 9:01:04 AM PST by Domandred
On the map of American cities most vulnerable to terrorism, just one Western city blazed red with the rank of "high risk" - and it surprised even the man who led the study.
"Everyone has been asking, 'What happened to Boise?' We were wondering when you were going to call," said University of Arizona mathematics professor Walter W. Piegorsch.
The researchers didn't expect to see Boise pop out as No. 10 among 132 urban areas studied, he said. They triple-checked the numbers.
"As we look at the data, we realize that you seem like an exception," he said.
Most other "high risk" cities are along the East Coast or in the South.
Why did Boise stand out? The risks of flood and wildfires, Piegorsch said.
Still, the findings have befuddled many, including officials with the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and the Boise Police Department.
"We're all in the process of analyzing this report to fully understand what it says," said Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, a spokesman for the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. "We don't feel like it would be totally appropriate to say one way or another that the report is accurate or inaccurate."
This doesn't mean Boise is more likely to be targeted by terrorists than other cities, Piegorsch said.
"It's not probability of being a target," he said. "It's vulnerability."
(Excerpt) Read more at idahostatesman.com ...
Lucky Peak Dam is both a benefit to Boise and a vulnerability, Piegorsch said.
"If the terrorists were smart enough to say, 'I'm going to take out the dam in Boise,' you guys would be in trouble," he said.
Some of us living the the Treasure Valley are apparently ahead of the curve.
Unlimited ammo for spud guns......
BTT...
Thanks for the update, because in my thinking, Boise(ID) would be the last place in the US where a threat would be plausible. Since I am no more than a speck on this globe all I can offer is a prayer for a Heavenly Hand of protection.
Small potatoes...
It probably has something to do with that blue football field.
vulnerable, not probable
I don't care who you are, that's funny!
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