Technology

DFW Airport To Expand Capacity For Cameras

FORT WORTH (AP) ― Carrollton-based SecureNet has been awarded a $4.98 million contract to increase the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport's capacity to gradually add 1,975 security cameras, officials said.

The DFW Airport Board voted Thursday to appropriate the funds on upgrades to its Terminal Building Security Surveillance System. The appropriation does not include the closed-circuit cameras, which still have to be purchased.

The added capacity will cover security cameras for the next three to five years of airport expansion projects, said William Flowers, vice president of information technology services, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Friday in its online edition.

The airport currently has about 1,590 cameras installed around terminals, runways and airfields. The cameras are generally automated and work with triggered sensors at exits to send visual feeds to a master control room. There, security officials are stationed to monitor the feeds and respond as needed, the newspaper said.

In October 2003, officials bought 250 cameras, doubling the system the airport had on 9-11.

The airport board also voted unanimously Thursday to change its rules in order to allow a proposed pet hotel to be located on the Grapevine side of the airport.

The city councils of owner cities Fort Worth and Dallas must still OK the code change. Officials hope to break ground in spring 2009.

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