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	NASA Issues Post-Attack Travel Restrictions By Steven Siceloff FLORIDA TODAY posted: 10:00 am ET 01 October 2001

NASA issued restrictions limiting travel in wake of terror attacks

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA will cut back on travel in response to fears following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11.

Boaters Restricted

NASA, the Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard are imposing a three-mile security zone in the waters surrounding Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station through at least Oct. 31. Mariners with questions can contact the Coast Guard via VHF Channel 16 or by calling 321-868-4200. Violators face fines and imprisonment.

"The tragic events (of Sept. 11) and subsequent difficulties our travelers experienced in the aftermath have heightened our sensitivity to the need to limit travel both by NASA and contractor personnel," NASA Chief of Staff Courtney Stadd said in a memo.

The action somewhat contradicts President George W. Bush's desire to encourage Americans to return to their lives, take advantage of specials offered by the airlines, and stimulate the flagging economy. It also offers an opportunity for NASA to consolidate its operations and find ways to reduce costs.

There were no indications Friday other government agencies would follow suit.

"It does seem to be flying in the face of what the President is saying," said Ed Hudgins, an airline analyst for the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. "You can't say it's not common sense. It may well be budget-related."

But Glenn Mahone, NASA's top communicator, said the internal memo is in line with the president's policies.

"We are encouraging our people to get back on planes and travel to those places where we have meetings," he said. "We also say if they have severe problems we are not forcing them to use airplanes. If they have a problem with flying we have asked them to use alternate means of transportation."

Only employees critical to a mission or dealing with safety issues will be allowed to trek away from their home base under the new guidelines. Everyone must get permission from the agency's top officials before leaving. Driving more than 300 miles one-way also requires approval.

Instead, the agency hopes to use more teleconferencing and video conferences to keep officials in their offices during meetings.

In addition to security worries, Stadd said airlines likely will hike ticket prices to cover increased security. The agency is already dealing with an exceptionally tight budget in light of cost overruns on the International Space Station.

Mahone said the agency was interested in reducing expenses.

The approach has the potential to ground scores of NASA and contractor managers and staff who venture to Kennedy Space Center for launches, Johnson Space Center for strategy sessions and scientific conferences around the country.