U.S. TO USE AIR PATROLS ALONG MONTANA BORDER WITH ALBERTA

EDMONTON -- The United States will be using Blackhawk helicopters and
planes along the Montana border with Alberta and Saskatchewan to
watch for terrorists, drug-runners and illegal immigrants.

The aircraft will be equipped with cutting-edge photographic
surveillance and monitoring equipment to watch for any suspicious
activity, a spokesman for Montana Republican Senator Conrad Burns said Friday.

Matt Mackowiak said the beefed-up border security comes in the wake
of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S.

This is the third of five special surveillance units to open along
the U.S. border with Canada. The air unit will be based in Great Falls, Mont.

Last year, Burns secured an $18-million US appropriation from the
Department of Homeland Security for the Montana air unit, putting it
ahead of schedule by one year. It's expected to start operations this summer.

The air border patrol is intended to provide a rapid response in the
event of another terrorist attack, Mackowiak said.

Apart from terrorists, the aircraft will be used for drug enforcement
and immigration control.

Mackowiak called it a win-win situation, saying increased border
security benefits both countries.

But any time there is increased surveillance there are civil
liberties and privacy concerns, he acknowledged.

"We are not trying to interrupt the honest flow of goods and services
and commerce between Montana and Canada," Mackowiak said. "It's in
everyone's interest to facilitate as much of that as possible."

Canadian officials had little comment about the U.S. plan.

"Canada recognizes that every country has the right to protect its
borders," said Kara Prest, a spokeswoman for the Canada Border Services Agency.

The U.S. also plans to set up air border patrols in North Dakota and
Michigan in the future.