Dollars go further for airport security

By Al Gordon
Chief Executive Officer

ARRA funding earmarked for purchasing $1 billion worth of enhanced explosive detection equipment for several airports across the country will apparently stretch much further than anticipated when new travel safety goals were set in motion years ago.

At one time, laws mandating all checked baggage be screened were thought impossible to implement for lack of funding needed for necessary technology. But now, the money will go further than it would have due to price drops spurred by the recession.

The Department of Homeland Security recently announced an additional $240 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for new in-line baggage handling systems will go to 10 airports across the country.

More than $3 billion in ARRA money was originally designated for homeland security projects through DHS and the General Services Administration, according to the press release. Of the $1 billion allocated to the Transportation Security Administration for aviation security projects, $700 million is dedicated to screening checked baggage and $300 million is allocated for checkpoint explosive detection technology.

“By managing our Recovery Act funds responsibly, we are able to stretch our resources even further to deploy new security equipment to more airports across the country, said DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. “These state-of-the-art baggage systems will inject critical resources into local communities while making travel safer.”

According to the press release, the new equipment incorporates enhanced explosive detection technology to provide on-screen viewing capabilities for TSA officers conducting baggage screenings and reduces the number of re-scans and physical bag searches. This will strengthen security efforts while reducing the time necessary to scan baggage while streamlining airport procedures for passengers, making it easier to move through ticketing and boarding.

Alfred Gordon is the chief executive officer of NSI. Prior to establishing NSI in 1995, Mr. Gordon worked as a senior member of former New York State Governor Mario Cuomo’s staff, building upon his extensive background in government and politics. In this capacity, Mr. Gordon oversaw areas, such as legislative relations, intergovernmental relations, constituency affairs and regional services.