TSA Announces $1 Million for New Checked Baggage Screening System at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport

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Transportation Security Administration

Sep 14, 2010, 01:00 ET

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced an award of approximately $1 million to Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) for the construction of a new in-line baggage handling system designed to enhance TSA's efforts to strengthen security at airports.

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"The automated baggage screening system will increase the security and efficiency of the baggage screening process," said Penny Anderson, AZO Federal Security Director. "This baggage handling system will help Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport effectively detect explosives and other potentially dangerous items while improving the security screening process for passengers."

Once completed, AZO will conduct 100 percent in-line screening to better serve the more than 340,000 passengers traveling through the airport each year.

"We certainly appreciate the support the TSA has shown throughout the new terminal project, and this demonstrates the close working relationship we have that benefits our community," said Clifton Moshoginis, AZO Airport Director.

Why is TSA funding in-line baggage handling systems? In-line baggage handling systems use state-of-the-art technology to quickly screen baggage for explosives while streamlining the ticketing and boarding process. This eliminates the need for passengers to walk checked baggage to a screening location before proceeding to the security checkpoint. Additionally, the systems provide on-screen resolution capabilities for security officers screening baggage, which reduces the number of re-scans and physical bag searches.

For more information about TSA, visit www.tsa.gov.