"Security costs cloud Tampa airport's revival"

Thursday, May 6, 2004

Security costs cloud Tampa airport's revival
With Sept. 11 in the past and travelers in a hurry, airport officials
struggle to find ways to balance safety concerns with customer service.
The St. Petersburg (FL) Times


Change is in the air at Tampa International Airport.

After shaking off the financial effects of 9/11, the airport is clearly
on the mend. But growth and increased security demands are creating
their own problem:

Longer lines and greater strain on airport resources.

"It's pathetic," said Stephen Vant, a computer programmer from Chicago,
as he waited in a long line at the airport.

Airport officials now are looking for advice on the future, including
the possibility of further expansion at a cost of billions of dollars.

For now, TIA is trying to save money by cutting back on some security
measures.

With no known, immediate terrorist threat, airport officials have
temporarily ended some spot checks of automobiles and trunk searches of
vehicles entering short-term parking.

While the cutbacks have lessened some financial pressures, not everyone
is happy about it.

Airport officials say they have received plenty of phone calls recently
from people concerned about relaxing security measures.


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