Friday, March 1, 2002
|
Friday, March 1, 2002 |
|
Hartsfield included in security study U.S. Department of Transportation deputy Secretary Michael Jackson, U.S. Rep. Saxby Chambliss, chairman of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security, and Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport officials announced this week the airport's selection as one of 15 airports taking part in a national security study. The study is designed to help the federal government identify best practices in the areas of passenger and cargo security and efficiency, as it continues its transition toward a fully federalized security system by the end of this year. The study will be conducted over the next six weeks. "On behalf of Secretary Norman Mineta, I am proud to announce Hartsfield as one of several airports assisting the federal government in its continuing effort toward ensuring maximum security and passenger safety for all travelers," said Jackson. "President Bush and Secretary Mineta commend congressman Chambliss, the airport's executive leadership, its employees, and the air carriers serving Atlanta for their contribution and commitment to improving aviation security." According to Jackson, the TSA will be working with airport staff and the air carriers to trace the movement of passengers and cargo through security systems, and then determine what core changes could provide both more effective security and better service to travelers. "Last year, Congress passed bipartisan aviation security legislation," said Chambliss. "I look forward to working with Hartsfield's security and administrative staff, the Bush administration and the Department of Transportation as we continue to work together to keep our airports safe and air traffic operating smoothly." Hartsfield officials reported more than 75 million passengers traveled through the airport last year. "Passenger safety and security is our number one priority. The Transportation Security Administration's results will allow us to enhance the current security measures already in place," said aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta.
|
||