Tampa, F.L. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) participated in the official grand opening of Tampa International Airport’s (TPA) new and expanded Airside E Security Checkpoint. Last year, Congresswoman Lee led a joint effort with other Tampa Bay Area Congressional leaders to secure funding for brand new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening equipment for the 19,542-square-foot security checkpoint.
“What a pleasure it was to see months of hard work come to fruition today at the Tampa International Airport,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee. “I am proud to have played a part in securing funding for the new TSA security screening equipment at TPA to help streamline and improve the security process and ensure residents and visitors can travel safely and efficiently. The Tampa Bay Area has seen monumental growth in recent years, and I am excited to keep working to invest in technology and infrastructure that supports the growth of our entire region.”
Congresswoman Lee was joined by Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano, Transportation Security Administration Federal Security Director Kirk Skinner, and Suffolk Construction’s Tampa General Manager Tampa Jim Scarpace.
“With our busy Spring Break travel period kicking off this month, this is a great time to be able to celebrate the opening of this checkpoint,” said Airport CEO Joe Lopano. “The fast-paced growth at TPA in recent years led us to right-size the space to modernize and enhance traveler safety and security, thanks to the dedication of all the partners involved in this project.”
The new space is a major upgrade for Airside E, which was designed and built prior to the establishment of the Transportation Security Administration and opened in 2002. The additional queueing space allows the checkpoint to expand from six to seven lanes, featuring the latest screening technology.
Last July, Congresswoman Lee led Tampa Bay Congressional delegates including Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Rep. Vern Buchanan, Rep. Kathy Castor, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, and Rep. Greg Steube, in a request to procure new TSA screening equipment for the airport. You can read more about the original request here. |
