Homeland Security chief visiting winter Olympics security center in Washington

Napolitano visiting Olympics security center

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is touring the new $4 million Olympics Coordination Center in Bellingham, Washington.

The communications facility is a key part of U.S. law enforcement and counterterrorism efforts for the 2010 Winter Olympics in British Columbia.

Napolitano is also touring the Peace Arch border crossing Monday with Washington state Gov. Chris Gregoire and Congressman Rick Larsen.

The Olympic Coordination Center is beginning a pre-Olympics trial run tied to the World Police and Fire Games, an event expected to draw 12,000 athletes to Vancouver from July 31-Aug. 9.

About 25 to 30 agencies will have representatives at the center to plan for possible riots or terrorism, as well as floods or snowstorms.