CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The fifth-busiest airport in the nation could soon have more resources to keep passengers safe.
Charlotte city leaders will vote next week on whether to spend $1.4 million to design a joint operations center at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
“I think it is a great move on their part,” Walter Kimble, a local security expert who worked in a joint operations center before, said. “It is very proactive.”
Once built, the JOC will house the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the Transportation Security Administration and federal agents at airport.
Kimble said the hefty price tag will be worth it to taxpayers.
“There is going to be less duplication of effort, and a greater sense of continuity and communication between the different resources,” he said.
The Department of Homeland Security made a nationwide recommendation for airports to build this type of center.
Kimble said agencies working closer together and being able to respond faster will make the airport a safer place to be
“There is going to be a greater sense of public safety,” he said.
If approved, the design process will take eight months. Construction will last a year and a half.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Six Gaston County firefighters walk out after two were dismissed
- Mooresville man reported missing by family
- UNCC student's 2008 murder case heads back to court
- WATCH: Keith Monday's Thursday forecast
- Social media video threatens 'war' on elementary school
- VIDEO: John Ahrens sings National Anthem at Charlotte Knights game