By JASON LYNCH
Express Staff Writer
The federal Transportation Security Administration has presented the manager of Friedman Memorial Airport with a challenging request: more space for its workers in the airport terminal. Friedman Manager Rick Baird's initial reaction was simple: "I'd love to give you the space you need, but where?"
Typically, Baird would field such a request with a shrug, fund and build the required space through the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority and lease the new space to the TSA. However, the looming move to a new airport in southern Blaine County makes any capital investment at Friedman a tough sell right now.
The TSA's request—first made last spring and reviewed by the authority last week—brings to light a recurring issue at the airport. Nationally, most airports that provide the services found at Friedman occupy about 1,200 acres. Friedman sits on just 211 acres, and therein lies a big problem. All aspects of service at the airport are provided in much less space than is the norm.
Currently, the TSA has a small office and break room within the secure area inside the airport terminal. TSA staff members have been forced to take computer-based training courses in the same room where others are working and some are taking breaks.
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In addition, the TSA received in this year's budget funding for an increase in personnel at Friedman. According to TSA Security Director Andy Coose, adding the equivalent of two to three full-time employees to the already cramped facilities would make the TSA's mission at Friedman very difficult to fulfill.
After examining four options, Baird proposed placing a modular building just north of, and adjacent to, the existing terminal. That would meet the TSA's requirement of 300-400 square feet of space close to the terminal, provide safe accessibility and maintain terminal space essential to Friedman's operations.
Baird said he expects to have a good idea about the costs for this solution "in the next week or two" at which point he will present the numbers to his counterparts at the TSA. He said both he and Coose agree that more space is needed. What remains to be decided is where the space will be and how its construction will be funded.