Airport to add 'sniffer?

An electronic trace detector will soon be added to the equipment used by the security department at the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport, according to the airport's August Flight Plan newsletter. The ETD and appropriate staff training were granted to the airport by the Federal Aviation Administration as part of its effort to enhance security levels at all U.S. airports.

The ETD "sniffs" for explosive trace materials, which may adhere to baggage. The device is particularly useful for detecting plastic explosives. The ETD will not slow passengers down as they go through the security check, the newsletter said.

Installation of ETDs in American airports is the result of actions of the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security, which was established by former Vice President Al Gore in 1996. The San Francisco International Airport was the first U.S. airport to receive an ETD.

The newsletter also reported that a grand opening for the airport's new intermodal facility will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 27 at the south end of the airport. The intermodal facility is part of a $10 million airport improvement project, which includes roadway improvements, more long-term parking and expansion of the rental car lot and baggage claim area.

The intermodal facility allows for seamless indoor transfers of passengers and luggage to ground transportation, particularly motorcoaches.