TSA officers in Pullman, Washington, have a renewed pep in their step, thanks to a brand new home to screen passengers and their bags.
Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport (PUW) opened a new terminal and TSA checkpoint in southeast Washington in late May. The checkpoint has one screening lane with the space to expand to a second lane in the future.
“TSA is excited to begin security screening at the new PUW terminal,” said Washington state TSA Federal Security Director Greg Hawko. “We worked closely with the airport on the design of the security checkpoint to ensure it provides an ideal environment for TSA officers to carry out their important role in airport operations.”
It took two years to build the new terminal, which is six times larger than the building it replaced.
When asked how the new operation compares to the old checkpoint, Hawko replied, “It’s remarkably similar outside of the checked baggage screening process. Now, PUW has an in-line baggage handling system and will have some new technologies arriving in the near future.”
Hawko said the new checkpoint is far more open and less cramped, and he calls it “a night and day difference.”
In addition to the expanded space for travelers, the checkpoint has a dedicated TSA PreCheck® entrance as well as an area for general screening, and the officers are enjoying the new digs.
“It’s a larger, brighter and more seamless TSA experience,” said Supervisory TSA Officer Malachi Lewis. “The officers love feeling less crowded. It just feels like a complete upgrade and a ‘real airport’ now.”
TSA’s hours of operation at PUW are 3:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., just like at the old checkpoint, but Hawko said with the terminal’s new gates, the future to expand flights and hours looks promising.
The airport serves two nearby universities – Washington State University and the University of Idaho.
“Many of our travelers at PUW are from and/or involved with both universities,” Hawko explained. “The airport provides these universities and their supporters the opportunity to travel throughout the country.”
He believes the new terminal will improve the lives of people in southeastern Washington and northern Idaho and said it took a great partnership between TSA and the airport to make it happen.
“Thank you to the airport board for investing in TSA,” said Hawko. “This investment will allow us to deliver the highest level of security in the most efficient manner.”
By Don Wagner, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs