THE monthly airport security operating cost continues to increase by as much as 50 percent after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, data from the Commonwealth Ports Authority showed.
Records showed that CPA used to spend an average of $78,000 a month for security purposes prior to the attacks.
In June 2001, CPA spent $71,706 for security operations. In July, the figure reached $84,138 and by August the cost amounted to $78,453.
The monthly operating cost ballooned to $121,231 in Sept. 2001; $118,541 in October; $134,552 in November; and $106,947 in December.
CPA, through the assistance of the Federal Aviation Administration, had to acquire new airport security equipment and boost its law enforcement personnel as part of the nationwide effort to counter any potential terrorist attacks against airports.
Estimates showed that from Sept. 2001 to Sept. 30, 2002, total direct costs that would be incurred could reach $1.1 million.
Most of it would be spent for increased law enforcement personnel including overtime expenses as well as the purchase of equipment, supplies, radios, badge stock and vehicles.
Earlier reports said actual costs incurred after Sept. 11 and the estimated costs to be incurred no later than Sept. 30, 2002 would be eligible for FAA funding consideration.
CPA and FAA officials are holding meetings to discuss additional or revised security requirements, their costs as well as other related financial impacts.
FAA would not grant funding for costs that have been recovered by the airport “unless the airport provides a plan for rebating these reimbursements back to airport users providing the reimbursements from the FAA.”
In fiscal year 2001, airport operating revenues totaled $11.5 million while the total operating expenses reached $10.4 million.
Based on the last quarter data for 2001, total revenue was $2.02 million while the total expenses reached $2.7 million.
Airport revenues are sourced from landing fees, fuel and terminal rents, concessions, parking and rental cars.
CPA data showed that air traffic flow from Sept. 2001 to Dec. 2001 declined by almost 50 percent compared to the same period last year.
The report said that from Sept. 2000 to Dec. 2000, a total of 438,823 passengers arrived on Saipan. The figure plummeted to 277,752 during the same period last year.
