BLOOMINGTON - A full body scanner could be in use at the Central Illinois Regional Airport as soon as this fall or next year. The device will be a second-generation model developed to be less intrusive in the wake of initial passenger concerns about the technology.

CIRA is expected to be among the first facilities of its size to receive the screening equipment from the Transportation Security Administration, airport spokeswoman Fran Strebing said.

"It’s a big improvement in terms of discretion, privacy," CIRA Executive Director Carl Olson said Tuesday. He likened the images to silhouettes or avatars, rather than a likeness of a person’s body.

Airport officials initially expected to receive the scanner, known as an advanced imaging technology screening device, in 2012-2013. But they learned through informal conversations with TSA representatives this summer that it could happen as soon as this fall, perhaps prior to the holiday travel season. But they also stressed they have not received an official schedule or installation date.

"There’s more questions than we have answers right now," Olson said. "I wouldn’t be surprised if I got a call in a few weeks. I wouldn’t be surprised if I didn’t get a call for a few months."

The cost will be paid by TSA. Officials were told airports in Peoria and the Quad Cities could also receive the equipment.

TSA began using advanced imaging technology in 2007 to detect weapons and explosives, according to its website.

Scanners are currently being used at 78 metropolitan airports, the website said. Among those are Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports, as well as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the hub for AirTran and Delta, two carriers that provide jet service at CIRA.

Because the airport was expecting a full body scanner, as well as two new, higher speed X-ray machines, some minor improvements have already been made to the checkpoint area in preparation for that equipment, Olson said.

"We’ve done our work by getting the space ready," Olson said. "Now the ball is in TSA’s court."

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PUB: The Pantagraph

PUB DATE: 20110817

Section: Money

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DOC NAME: C01 081711 Body scanners-01

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