TSA Announces $20.3 Million for New Checked Baggage Screening System at General Mitchell International Airport

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Transportation Security Administration

Sep 14, 2010, 01:00 ET

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced an award of approximately $20.3 million to General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) 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 at General Mitchell International Airport will help Transportation Security Officers efficiently detect dangerous items including explosives," said General Mitchell International Airport Federal Security Director Louis Traverzo. "The system will also significantly improve the experience for passengers, making it easier to check items and reduce the likelihood that their bags will need to be opened."

The approximately $20.3 million award will provide a fully automated in-line baggage handling system to conduct 100 percent baggage screening and support the more than 8 million passengers traveling through General Mitchell International Airport each year.

Why is TSA funding in-line baggage handling systems? In-line baggage handling systems use state-of-the-art technology to screen baggage for explosives quickly 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.