(New Haven-AP)- Connecticut is getting a special response team to deal with state emergencies or acts of terrorism.

The federally funded team is one of 23 that Congress directed the Defense Department to set up in legislation passed earlier this month.

Support for such teams grew in the wake of the September 2001 terrorist attacks.

Each 22-member team is made up of National Guard members who report to the state's adjutant general.

Governor Rowland says Connecticut has important key assets that need protection. Currently, emergencies in Connecticut would be handled by teams in Massachusetts and New York.

Under the bill, the team will be trained to respond to chemical, biological and radiological incidents, and will include members trained in communications, medical response, logistics and detection and handling of chemical, biological and nuclear materials.