Washington, DC - Just hours before the Congress is scheduled to head home for their October Recess, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) today announced a major security increase for Sonoma County’s Charles-Shultz Regional Airport.  The airport, which has suffered from a lack of TSA baggage screeners, will receive an increase in screeners under the Homeland Security Conference Report, allowing it to meet its growing needs.

“I am happy to confirm an increase in the number of TSA baggage screeners for Charles Shultz Airport,” Woolsey said.  “With this funding Charles Schultz will now be able to address its increasing security needs, and insure the security of the traveling public.”

Woolsey was joined by Congressman Mike Thompson in writing to Department of Homeland Security head Michael Chertoff, urging him to support an increase in baggage screeners.  Woolsey also worked closely with Senator Diane Feinstein, who as a conferee was able to insert the language into the Homeland Security Conference Report.  The Senate and the House passed the conference report on Friday.

“After years of hard work on the part of our local officials to attract airline service to Sonoma County, this funding will provide them with the number of screeners that they need to provide security for the traveling public,” Woolsey said.  “This funding is so important because, regional airports, like Charles Schultz, play a vital role in regional transportation infrastructure, and they provide essential air service for our local businesses and citizens.”