Greater Peoria Regional Airport Security

Airport Security
WEEK-TV, IL

Posted February 12, 2004 1:41pm

With Allegiant Air coming to the Greater Peoria
Regional Airport next month, officials are expecting
nearly 170 extra travelers on busy days.

Airport officials are making changes to accommodate
the growth, but are concerned about recent cuts with
baggage screeners.

Last year, the Transportation Security Administration
cut the number of baggage screeners nationwide. Here
at the Greater Peoria Regional Airport three were laid
off and 13 reduced to part time.

Mike Cleveland with the Transportation Security
Administration said, ''By moving our part time and
front loading that early part of the day to make sure
we've got like I say the 13 to 14 screeners on duty I
believe we can still accomplish and give the same
level of service that the people here in Peoria have
come to expect and deserve.''

Peoria Airport Manager Solomon Balraj says with
Allegiant Air coming soon the cuts could hurt.

''I'm sure it's going to be a strain on his budget and
we don't want to run with the minimum number of staff.
We're anticipating growing our service more this
year,'' said Balraj.

In a joint effort, the Transportation Security
Administration and Peoria airport officials will add a
second walk through lane next month. They hope that
will make getting through security more efficient.
Travelers we spoke with don't seem to be concerned
about cuts in staff.

Wayne Powell was flying out Thursday and said, ''I
feel fairly secure myself. I think our country's doing
everything they can to protect us all. I'm sure
there's always gonna be some unexpected attack, that
with the best security in the world you could still
get through.''

Another passenger, Roberta Sellen, said, ''I think the
baggage checks and I-D security is much better now and
it makes me more comfortable.''

Cleveland says the real test won't come until the new
service starts March 3rd. He says if necessary his
department will lobby for changes or extra help to
make sure air travel won't be effected. 

Cleveland says baggage screeners at Bloomington's
Central Illinois Regional Airport were not laid off.

He says 8 of them volunteered to go on National
Screening Force status, making them available to work
around the country on an on-call basis. 


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