FAA Fines Port Authority $3.5 Million Over Safety Violations At NY-Area Airports
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The Port Authority Of New York And New Jersey has been slapped with a $3.5 million fine over aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) violations.
The violations occurred at JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and Teterboro airports from Dec. 2010-June 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
For example, the Port Authority "failed to ensure that all rescue and firefighting personnel at JFK were trained to perform their duties" to the FAA's specifications, the agency said. The Port Authority was using untrained PAPD personnel in those jobs, the FAA said.
"These violations were egregious, and they will not be tolerated," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
WEB EXTRA: Read The Settlement Agreement (.pdf)
The Port Authority has 30 days to pay $3.5 million fine. If there are additional violations, additional fines would be imposed, according to the FAA.
The FAA said the Port Authority will set up a dedicated ARFF team and structure that's separate and distinct from the Port Authority Police Department.
