FAA
requires new fencing for enhanced aviation security
Installation
is nearly complete on some 22,000 feet of fencing to enhance security
around the Walla Walla Regional Airport.
The
contract for the first phase of the project was awarded to Northwest
Fence, Inc. The cost of phase one is approximately $315,000 with
the Federal Aviation Administration paying 90% and the airport providing
the balance.
The
first phase will fence in airport boundaries adjacent to U.S. Highway
12 on the south side and Middle Waitsburg Road on the west side.
Airport
Manager Larry Adams said portions of the fence adjacent to the terminal
building and at the main access gate off Middle Waitsburg Road will
be clad with green vinyl for aesthetic purposes.
The
second phase of the fencing project will stretch along 15,000 feet
of the northern perimeter of the airport.
Walla
Walla Sheriff’s Deputies handle airport security
Flight-time
security responsibilities at the Walla Walla Regional Airport are
now being handled by deputies from the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s
office.
While the Washington
National Guard managed that task immediately following the events
of September 11, 2001, the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Department
assumed that role in May, 2002. Working under a contract with the
Transportation Security Administration, local deputies will handle
the security assignment until TSA enforcment officers are on site.
Airport Manager
Larry Adams had high praise for Walla Walla deputies for their professionalism
and help in meeting the ongoing airport law enforcement requirements.
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| New
Systems for passenger and baggage checkpoints to be in place
before year end |
New
systems that meet Transportation Security Administration
“passenger checkpoint and 100% checked baggage screening
requirements” will be in place at the Walla Walla
Regional Airport before the end of the year.
Port
of Walla Walla officials said that Lockheed Martin, consultant
to TSA, has completed its site assessment and concluded
that the existing security screening space is large enough
to accommodate the new systems.
Larry
Adams, airport manager, said the Lockheed Martin design
for the checkpoint is expected to efficiently move passengers
through the screening process.
New
screening equipment will include a walk through metal detector,
wanding stations, an Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) machine
and closed circuit TV cameras.
Adams
also said the airport has been working with Boeing, also
a consultant to TSA, to meet the 100% checked baggage screening
requirement.
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Plans currently under review provide for an Explosive Trace
Detection (ETD) machine to be installed in the spare airline
ticket counter space immediately adjacent to Horizon Air.
Adams explained that this would allow the machine to be
installed without making renovations to the terminal building.
He
added that in the future, should a second airline decide
to serve Walla Walla, plans call for the existing ticket
counters to be moved three feet into the lobby to allow
the ETD machines to be located behind the ticket counters.
Systems
that meet new checked baggage screening requirements are
to be in place and operational by December 31, 2002. |
Airport
amenities include restaurant and gift shop |
Florentyna's
Full service restaurant and lounge serving breakfast, lunch
and dinner. Opens at 6:00 a.m., Monday through Friday and
7:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. For menu listings visit www.florentynas.com
Phone:
509-525-2294 |
Coffee
Connection Cafe
@ the Airport
Internet access, coffee bar, Walla Walla gifts and souvenirs.
Open 7:30 - 9:00 am, 12:30 - 2:30 pm and 5:00 - 6:30 pm.
For info visit www.coffeeconnectioncafe.com
Phone:
509-529-9999
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