TSA and Dane County Regional Airport Open New Security Checkpoint

March 21, 2006
Sharyn Wisniewski, airport, (608) 661-6485; cell (608) 712-1950 Lara Uselding, TSA, (773) 573-8168
Airport

Madison, Wisc. – The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) this afternoon (March 21) will open a new centrally located security checkpoint for screening airline passengers. “Dane County has been a leader in working with TSA to improve passenger security, and now we’re improving convenience as well,” said Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. “TSA and the Dane County Airport have collaborated on the opening of the new checkpoint in order to provide patrons with a safe and passenger friendly experience,” said Jane Hemberger, TSA Acting Federal Security Director in Madison. Bradley Livingston, Dane County Airport Director, said, “We appreciate our customer’s patience as our terminal renovation has progressed. The new security checkpoint, in the center of the terminal, will make the passage into and out of the terminal much more convenient.” The escalators, steps and elevator taking passengers up to security and down from the second floor exit adjoin the new “greeters” lounge available for people waiting in the terminal for passengers to arrive. A distinctive floor design by former UW-Madison graphic arts professor Philip M. Hamilton lies at the base of the escalators, just inside terminal door #4. With the new checkpoint now in place, TSA is able to process increased passenger loads. There are two lanes in the new security checkpoint. In addition, one lane in the existing south security checkpoint will also be open at peak travel times, from 4:30 to 7:30 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. This increases the total number of lanes open at peak times from two to three. With travel at the airport up 5.7 percent since TSA took over screening in 2002, this increased capacity helps ensure timely screening and allows for future passenger growth. The new checkpoint is part of the larger terminal expansion plans initiated by the airport and expected to be completed in June 2006. TSA provided the screening equipment and worked with the airport and its contractor to ensure the design met security specifications. For more information regarding TSA, please visit their Web site at www.TSA.gov; information on the Dane County Regional Airport can be found at www.msnairport.com. # # #