Paul Torkelson State Representative Minnesota District 168 House of Brown, Redwood and Renvile Counties Representatives December 18, 2017 Metropolitan Airports Commission 6040 28th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55450 ia electronic delivery Metropolitan Airports Commission, ‘On Sunday, a fire in an underground electrical facility caused Hartsfield-lackson Atlanta International, the world’s busiest airport, to completely lose power. Hundreds af flights were canceled and thousands of passengers were stranded without power for more than twelve hours. Media reports suggest a stunning lack of a preparedness for such an event: restaurants were closed and vending machines were not functioning; elevators, escalators, and moving walkways were not working leaving elderly and disabled passengers stranded; and boarding systems were not functioning limiting, ‘the ability of passengers to change planes or find other accommodations. These issues were all compounded by a severe lack of communication from authorities to stranded passengers. This did nothing but further upset passengers, making them believe there were no plans and no one was in charge. The timing could not be worse as very few flights over the next week have space due to the busy holiday travel season. ‘As members of the Minnesota House Transportation committee, we are requesting information on current emergency procedures, and what contingency plans are in place to prevent a criss in the future. {tis our hope that MSP already has plans in place in the event of a similar crisis, and that you will consider reviewing and updating policies and preparedness measures in light of the recent events in Atlanta. We recognize that you may not be able to discuss full details due to classification or security concerns, but urge you to share what you can to reassure the public. Thank you for all you do on behalf of the millions of Minnesotans who travel through MSP Airport each year. We look forward to your reply. Sincerely, Representative Paul Torkelson Representative Regina Barr 19572 Oak Shores Rd, Hanska, Mnnesota S041 eonars 731s Saeieten ah fa Detar ter King JB, St Pau Meson 851551288 est 206 2509 FAX. (661) 206-5378 Ema rop paul forkelson@house mn @ —_