Study finds no need to privatize security at Atlanta airport

Jackson International Airport, it is the focus of a new feasibility study that recommends against handing over security screening to a private company. The study follows a 76-day shutdown back in February when TSA agents were forced to work without getting paid. Support began to grow for privatizing security staffing to prevent worker shortages amid TSA call-outs. And in May, City Councilman Byron Amos introduced legislation calling for a study to examine potential impacts. Yeah, and the results are finally in and the council's Committee got this update yesterday from the airport's assistant general manager of planning and development. When it comes to cost, there is no cost difference to the Department of Aviation or passengers under an SPP arrangement as the SPP contractors are selected by the TSA and then also the TSA will be paying those vendors. So the cost, there is no cost difference. The SPP program reference stands for the Screening Partnership Program. It allows airports to opt out of having federal employees. But based on the feasibility study's results, there's no compelling need for the airport to make the switch. Councilman Amos says he fully supports the findings.