Dane County Regional Airport showcased new security measures adopted since Sept. 11 during a briefing for U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.

Dave Jensen, deputy director of Dane County Regional Airport, gave Baldwin a tour of both behind the scenes security and visible security in the terminal.

“This airport did a phenomenal job responding to an incredible emergency, an incredible crisis in our country,” Baldwin said. “As I have continued to be a frequent passenger here, I have seen that response continue everyday since Sept. 11.”

Baldwin praised how the airport integrated the National Guard into everyday security.

“The integration of the National Guard troops into security has been almost seamless and very helpful, yet I also heard concerns raised about some of the things that are not working,” Baldwin said.

There are two types of security mandates: mandates on airlines and mandates on airports. The National Guard was integrated into the airport sector.

“They have been integrated, as I understand it, into most every aspect of security, certainly supervising the checkpoints, but also assisting with perimeter security and other facility protection,” Baldwin said.

Among the shortcomings of the security system, Baldwin noted the irregularity and difficulty of contacting the Federal Aviation Administration and the lack of federal funding for security increases.

Airports across the country lack security measures regarding passengers’ baggage, Baldwin said.

“In terms of weak points, I think that one of the things that could considerably boost confidence is knowing that baggage going on board the flight in the undercarriage of the plane gets some sort of inspection,” Baldwin said. “At this point there are very few airports that are able to do that.”

Baldwin said the remedy for the deficiencies in the security system is the passage of the Federal Aviation Security Act.

“[The security problems are] certainly something the House of Representatives can do something about if it will get to the business of passing the airline security bill,” Baldwin said.

The airline security bill puts federal law-enforcement agents in charge of security at all airports and all airplanes. This includes measures placing air marshals on flights, strengthening cockpit doors and placing federal agents at checkpoints in all airports.

Baldwin called on the House to take immediate action on this bill.

“I am supporting the legislation that emerged from the U.S. Senate on a 100 to zero vote,” Baldwin said. “I call upon the House of Representatives to immediately take up the airline security package next week, and I am very hopeful that this will be done.”

The increase in security is coupled with an increase in cost. Baldwin said it was essential to supplement the new security mandates, which amount to $12 thousand to $15 thousand a month, with additional funding. Although the Dane County Regional Airport is privately operated, the burden of payment could be transferred to taxpayers if costs continue to increase.
“The airport is not on the tax roles; we are self-sufficient so it doesn’t immediately transfer to taxpayers,” Jensen said.