TSA officers at St. George Regional Airport have been keeping security lines moving on paychecks that are only partially funded, the result of a partial Department of Homeland Security funding shutdown. In response, local businesses and neighbors have quietly turned into a support team, dropping off gas cards, grocery gift cards and free meals to help keep the small terminal staffed and flights on schedule.
Hurricane Steakhouse Puts TSA Agents On The House
Jeff Germain, co-owner of the newly opened Touch of Tuscany in Hurricane, told FOX13 the restaurant is picking up the tab for TSA agents while the funding fight plays out. "They're welcome anytime to come here and receive a meal from us for free," Germain said. The restaurant’s website lists its Hurricane location and hours at Touch of Tuscany.
Airport Boss Lines Up Food Bank Help
St. George Regional Airport Director Dustin Warren told FOX13 that community members have been walking into the terminal with gas, grocery and meal gift cards for federal workers. He said the airport is also working with the Utah Food Bank to run a free mobile pantry for staff. Warren praised agents for continuing to show up despite missed pay, calling it "a testament to the kind of people they are." Screening lanes remained staffed, although airport leaders say the situation could become precarious if callouts start to climb.
Shutdown Squeeze Puts Small Fields On The Bubble
The strain in St. George reflects broader warnings from TSA leadership that the partial DHS shutdown is stretching staffing nationwide. As reported by Scripps News, acting TSA deputy administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News that some smaller airports could be forced to close if callout rates rise. He said callouts at major hubs have already hit about 30 to 36 percent in some locations, including Atlanta.
What Travelers At SGU Are Seeing Right Now
Passengers at SGU on Thursday saw security lines fully staffed and screenings running as usual. Airport officials, however, say the only real long-term fix is restored federal funding. Background aviation listings and FAA data show the airport is managed locally by the City of St. George, and a directory of the field is available at AirNav.
