More security cameras, TSA screeners coming to RDM

Redmond city councilors just approved a major expansion of security cameras at Redmond Airport, and more TSA screeners also are being hired — an outcome of growth at the airport as much as the rising concern over terrorism.

The project comes from a security budget of nearly $89,000.

Redmond Airport Security Manager Nicole Jurgensen said Wednesday the airport is seeing an increase in air travelers, and a way to keep one step ahead is the installation of cameras that will boost safety.

“It’s just an added bonus to where we’re at currently,” Jurgensen said. “Here at Redmond, we’re growing and so that’s excellent news for TSA. Our local TSA can now hire more security officers,” Jurgensen said.

Transportation Security Administration RDM Security Manager Mark Waters said they plan to hire 6-8 part–time employees.

Waters said RDM air travelers have been increasing by the month. In January, it was a 15 percent increase from a year earlier. For February, 20 percent.

Waters said RDM currently has a staff of 35 working for TSA, and adding more employees is a great sign of growth.

In addition, Jurgensen said police will have remote access to the surveillance system.

“They can actually log in and see what’s going before they even enter the building. And we’re really excited about that component of the system,” Jurgensen said.

She said they hope to complete the project during the airport’s three-week closure in May for a runway repaving project.

Meanwhile, the TSA is hiring more part-time security screeners at RDM because it recently became a Category 2 airport when it topped 250,000 boardings a year. Waters said RDM served roughly 283,000 people in 2015 alone.