Bennet, Gardner, Tipton Welcome Agreement between Grand Junction Airport, TSA on Security Plan

Amended Security Plan will Restore Access to Nearby Businesses, Attractions

Grand Junction, CO - U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner and Representative Scott Tipton today welcomed an agreement between the Grand Junction Regional Airport and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on an amended security plan for the airport. Following five years of discussions, the amended plan will restore access to nearby businesses and attractions while meeting TSA's security requirements.

"We're glad to finally see an agreement between the airport and TSA to modify the airport's security plan," Bennet said. "After years of discussions and persistent efforts by airport officials and others in Grand Junction, this agreement will help restore access to nearby businesses and attractions while ensuring the security of the airport. We're grateful the agency is now working closely with airport officials to reach a resolution that is suitable to everyone."

"I'm glad that all parties involved were able to come together on an agreement which takes local concerns into account while ensuring passenger safety," Gardner said. "I'm thankful to the other members of the Colorado delegation who worked with me on this issue, and we'll continue to press for increased cooperation between the federal government and the Grand Junction airport."

"It's a shame that for the past several years the people of Grand Junction have not been able to fully utilize and access their airport's full potential because of the TSA, resulting in the closure of some airport businesses and other missed opportunities," said Tipton. "Airport officials and other members of this community worked hard to develop a solution to improve access to the airport and remain fully compliant with TSA regulations. Approval of that plan by TSA, while long overdue, is good news for the people of Grand Junction."

Earlier this year, the lawmakers pressed TSA officials to help resolve a request from the airport to amend its security plan following the agency's unexplained rejection of the airport's proposed security modifications. The lawmakers urged the agency to send a senior official to Grand Junction to work with airport officials and local leaders on a solution that meets all of TSA's security guidelines.

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