DeGette, Bennet Say Proposed Project Will Improve Safety, Efficiency at DIA

Denver – Congresswoman Diana DeGette and Senator Michael Bennet, both of Colorado, hailed today’s announcement of a public-private partnership to improve Denver International Airport’s Jeppesen Terminal as a solid first step toward a safer, more efficient passenger screening process. They urged Congress to vote as soon as possible to extend the FAA’s authorization so that innovative plans to improve the Terminal can continue.

“Plans to reconfigure the Great Hall, beginning with this public-private partnership, will help relieve congestion for travelers and improve safety at the airport,” DeGette said. “I am proud that Denver is pioneering this effort, and expect that other U.S. airports will follow.”

“With the increasing threat of attacks on our airports, DIA is taking actions to keep passengers safer and move them through security quicker,” Bennet said. “In the meantime, we will continue working to pass our legislation to provide funding for enhancements like this as well as our provision for a pilot program to support this project.”

The public-private partnership stipulates that before any changes to the terminal are made, the P3 proposal will be presented to the Denver City Council. DeGette and Bennet said they would monitor its progress and seek their constituents’ views.

“Congratulations to all involved in this big step on Denver’s behalf,” DeGette and Bennet said. “Now it’s up to Congress to ensure that the Federal Aviation Administration’s authority does not expire on July 15. We hope that the Senate and the House can agree on a bill providing the FAA and Transportation Security Administration the resources it needs for this project. We urge both houses of Congress to take this important next step when final legislation is passed.”