By Ron Thaniel
February 3, 2003

Conference Aviation Security Task Force Chair Los Angeles Mayors James K. Hahn introduced January 22 Admiral James M. Loy, Under Secretary of Transportation for Security for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) by stating "One year ago the Conference of Mayors called for the federal government to assume responsibility for aviation security, to provide federal screeners for all passenger screening, and ensure 100 percent baggage screening at all commercial airports."

Mayor Hahn further noted, "Mayors around the country claimed victory as Congress approved the Aviation and Transportation Security Act on November 19, 2001."

"We told Congress that we would accept nothing less than a major overhaul of our aviation security system, and the administration has worked hard towards that goal," said Hahn.

Thanking Mayor Hahn and the members of the Aviation Security Task Force for working with the TSA in securing the nation's 429 commercial airports, Admiral Loy said "the TSA has met 36 deadlines over the past year to improve airport security."

Responding to a key concern of the nations mayors to obtain full and accurate reimbursement for security cost incurred by local governments protecting commercial airports, Mayor Hahn told Admiral Loy that Los Angeles has spent about $30 million on airport security and has been reimbursed $9 million in federal funds.

"This is a new burden for us," Mayor Hahn said. "We-d like to get that funding assured."

Admiral Loy stated that the cities entered a new security environment after the World Trade Center attacks and that there will never be enough money to make every improvement.

The TSA, which was created after the terrorist attacks is tasked with improving the screening of passenger and luggage in the past year. Mayors are concerned that critical loopholes remain in areas such as port security.

In response to the mayors concerns, Admiral Loy told the mayors that the TSA is developing plans to improve security on ships, trains and buses.

Identifying particular examples, Admiral Loy told the mayors that he wants to improve and expand the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, a pilot program for airport workers who have access to secure areas of the airports.

In addition, Admiral Loy stated that the TSA is launching a national program on intermodal preparedness for terrorism, a program under which the TSA would work with local and state agencies to develop response drills in the event of a terrorist attack.