Port Authority Chairman Demands Tightened Airport Security
Source AP Alert - New Jersey via NewsEdge Corporation
NEWARK, N.J._The chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has written to federal officials demanding that security problems at Newark Liberty International Airport be addressed. Chairman Anthony R. Coscia sent a letter dated Oct. 19 to the head of the federal Transportation Security Administration, citing an Oct. 7 story in The Star-Ledger of Newark that exposed several weaknesses.
"First, we request your assurance that all checked bags are electronically screened for explosives," Coscia wrote to Adm. David M. Stone, the assistant Homeland Security secretary who heads the TSA. "As you know, our facilities are located in the region that served as the locus of the September 11th terrorist attacks."
Coscia's other demands include: installation of X-ray technology at screening points; adoption of recommendations by the U.S. Inspector General for training, management and supervision of screeners; full-scale implementation of the registered-traveler pilot program to identify high-risk passengers, and making customer service a top priority.
Ann Davis, a TSA spokeswoman said the agency had not received the letter, and she declined to comment.
