NEWARK, N.J. – Today, U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) announced the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will award $400 million in federal funds for the three major airports in the New Jersey-New York area: Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia Airports.

    “We need to do all we can to ensure Newark Liberty, JFK and LaGuardia are as safe, modern and secure as possible,” Sen. Lautenberg said.  “These funds show the federal commitment to making sure three of the busiest airports in the country have the necessary technology to meet public safety and travel demands.”

    “Our airports are among the nation's busiest, and we must ensure they are secure. These funds will go help enhance a vital layer of security that we must keep in place to ensure New Jersey passengers are safe,” said Sen. Menendez.  “We will continue fighting on the federal level to protect and enhance our transportation infrastructure and security operations, which is vital to homeland security.”

    The funds will be used to reimburse the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) for installing new baggage screening systems at the three airports.  Half of the funding will be allocated for FY 2008 and the other half for FY 2009.

    This funding announcement comes after Sens. Lautenberg and Menendez secured more than $85 million for critical transportation projects in New Jersey in the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.  Projects in the bill, which was approved by the Appropriations Committee in July, include $75 million for the Trans-Hudson Midtown Corridor tunnel and more than $1 million for the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail.

    Sen. Lautenberg is a member of the Appropriations and Commerce, Science and Transportation Committees, both of which oversee federal spending at the nation’s airports.  Since May, Lautenberg and Menendez have announced more than $15 million in federal funding for upgrades and repairs at airports across New Jersey.

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