Lightly populated Montana wants millions in airport security
Here’s more than a half dozen airports that carry an average of two passengers per flight. But Montana’s seven facilities want $2 million a year to run checkpoints.
Does that make any sense?
Even the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), not known for its fiscal responsibility, is hesitating.
TSA spokeswoman Ellen Howe said the request is being considered, but “there is some internal debate about the effectiveness” of setting up checkpoints to screen so few passengers, according to the AP.
The Montana airports are some of the smallest in the nation; at this time, they aren’t required to be screened.
Montana officials say screeners will help security and draw passengers to the small airports.
“TSA security would increase our ridership considerably,” said John Rabenberg, aeronautics director of the Montana Aeronautics Board.
The seven airports requesting security are served by 19-seat turboprop planes that carry an average of two passengers per flight, according to federal data.
The airports are among a dozen or so that have never had security checkpoints.
Federal regulations require passengers to be screened only if they are boarding planes with more than 61 seats, according to the AP.
The TSA’s reluctance has brought complaints from Montana officials. Sen. Max Baucus said he and fellow Montana Democrat Sen. Jon Tester “will continue to hold TSA’s feet to the fire until this screening is up and running.”
Report by David Wilkening
David
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