Funding OK’d for airport security system

Jace Radke

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2003 | 11:01 a.m.

The Transportation Security Administration has approved $93.75 million in funding for a new in-line baggage check system at McCarran International Airport that will move the massive explosives detection machines out of ticketing areas and will streamline airport security, officials said.

The new system could be completed by 2005, and will use conveyor belts to guide baggage through minivan-sized explosives detection machines behind ticketing, airport spokeswoman Hilarie Grey said.

"It will be six separate conveyor belt systems," Grey said. "For the passengers it will just mean checking their bags at ticketing, and then their bags will be put on the belt.

"The bags will ride through the detection machines, and they will be automatically routed to another area if any require further checking by hand."

The entire project is estimated to cost $125 million, with McCarran picking up the $31.25 million that the TSA won't pay.

The new system should improve security at the airport, Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., said.

"I have been concerned about the screening machines in the ticketing lobby," Ensign said. "Having thousands of people congregated and waiting in a crowded lobby only hinders security efforts."

The new system could eventually result in less time waiting in line for McCarran passengers.

"There will be less labor required by TSA, and hopefully those extra resources can be rerouted to checkpoint screening to reduce lines," Grey said.

The explosives screening machines, which cost about $1 million apiece, can be easily removed from the system should better technology become available in the future, Grey said.

The first phase of the project is already under construction, and could be completed by May. The area behind the ticketing counters at McCarran will have to be expanded to accommodate the new conveyor system.

In order to obtain partial funding for the system, McCarran had to submit plans to the TSA for approval. Logan International Airport in Boston, JFK International Airport in New York and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, have also been approved for in-line baggage screening systems.

About 20 other airports have submitted plans for in-line systems.

"McCarran airport is our gateway to the world, and the improvements in baggage screening funded by this grant will help ensure passengers are fully protected without creating long delays," said Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., who sits on the House Transportation Committee. "I am pleased that the TSA has worked with the Nevada delegation and McCarran officials to meet the unique needs of one of the world's busiest airports."