LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS RECEIVES $150 MILLION FEDERAL COMMITMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF BAGGAGE SECURITY PROJECT

LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS RECEIVES $150 MILLION FEDERAL COMMITMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF BAGGAGE SECURITY PROJECT

(Los Angeles- December 7, 2009) An agreement was announced today between Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security which secured $150 million in federal funds for a key security project at Los AngelesInternationalAirport (LAX).

The funding will support the completion of the inline baggage screening program in several terminals at LAX. This program entails construction of new automated in-line baggage screening systems with enhanced technology to screen each piece of checked passenger luggage behind-the-scenes.  The projects will make travel through LAX safer, faster and more convenient by removing the explosive detection machines in airport terminal lobbies.

“I welcome TSA’s contribution toward resolving the outstanding funding balance for the in-line baggage screening projects at LAX, one of the nation’s highest priority airports,” said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. The congresswoman worked from her position on the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee to advocate for the funding necessary to complete this essential homeland security project.    This program represents a significant improvement in the overall security fo the millions of passengers who use LAX.

"Reducing long lines and long waits in the terminals will make passengers both happier and safer,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “Thanks to Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, these federal funds will finish the in-line baggage processing project and bring baggage security into the 21st Century at LAX."

The in-line baggage screening program represents a joint effort between TSA, LAX and its airlines partners. “This project would not be possible without the financial backing of the TSA and our airlines,” said LAWA Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey. “It’s a great example demonstrating that federal government, airlines and airports can work together to provide service and security for our passengers.”

LAWA has already completed construction of in-line baggage screening systems at LA/Ontario Airport and Terminal 3 at LAX.  The in-line baggage at Tom Bradley International Terminal will be completed in the coming months. 

Through the execution of a letter of intent, the TSA is obligated to provide $150 million distributed between the 2010 and 2011 fiscal years for the remaining terminals at LAX. Previous TSA grants for the total program (LAX and LA/Ontario) have totaled $331 million. The total cost of the program is $670 Million and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012.