PORT OF FRIDAY HARBOR

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Possibility of federal money for Friday Harbor Airport security

posted 04/12/02
In order to provide direct service to SeaTac from Friday Harbor, security would need to be increased at the airport and an airline would need to be willing to fly the route. Money for increasing security may be available through the Small Community Air Service Development pilot Program, Friday Harbor Port Director Steve Simpson told the port commissioners.

Increasing security would entail moving parking and hardening the terminal, ie. installing key locks on the doors etc. "There is lots of stuff we would need to do to the terminal," said Simpson. "The expenses would be covered by the feds." He noted three or four federally funded jobs would be created.

Port Commissioner Brian Calvert said he hadn't heard much feedback from people about SeaTac but " maybe this is the wave of the future. If grant money is available maybe this is the way to go."

Commissioner Greg Hertel concurred. "Maybe the changes could be part of a larger plan,"he said. "I'd rather see us use some of the money available."

Port staff will continue to look into the program. Simpson said, "We need to make sure airlines want to do it. If they don't want to do it there is nothing to apply for. "