Screening process at airport receives Fed review

Business Today

A representative with the new Transportation Security Administration recently visited Cape Girardeau Regional Airport as a first step toward federal government control of the airport's screening process.

The new system will be run by better-trained and higher-paid federal employees who will screen passengers and luggage.

The city of Cape Girardeau owns the screening equipment at the airport, but currently American Connection - the only airline at the airport - is responsible for the screening operations.

Bruce Loy, airport manager, said the regional airport is still several months away from having federal employees take over.

"All we know is that they'll be taking over," he said. "We have no exact date. We're supposed to be getting more information in the form of a contract fairly soon." The TSA representative took inventory of the airport's security equipment, Loy said. He was also introduced to several of the city's police officers, who provide security for every arrival and departure.

National Guardsmen will also continue to provide security through March.