In the face of an increased terrorism alert imposed by the Bush administration on Tuesday, local federal buildings saw increased security.

A year ago the Ames Laboratory, a joint operation of Iowa State and the U.S. Department of Energy, increased its security in preparation for a high-risk threat. In early August the security level was reduced to a modified “threat medium” level, according to a document obtained from the lab. The lab is now back on heightened alert. Steve Karsjen, spokesman for Ames Lab, said all visitors will be escorted around the facility at all times.

Security conditions at the National Animal Disease Center, National Soil Tilth Laboratory and other U.S. Department of Agriculture facilities in Ames could not be disclosed.

– Michaela Saunders and Jessica Anderson