TSA security equipment removed from airport

We're learning why security equipment at Grand Junction Regional Airport will be moved.

A source told us this week the equipment may have been moved as early as Thursday night.

Since this equipment was recently installed and cost a lot of tax payer money many are left wondering, why they're already removing it, and where it's going.

Today we got some of the answers.

TSA spokesperson Carrie Harmon explained that there are two kinds of Advanced Imaging Technology Machines.

Congress recently mandated that one be upgraded with software.

But the machines manufacturer couldn't do it, so the TSA ended its contract.

Now the company is paying the TSA to remove all the units by June 1st to comply with the mandate.

The TSA identified some airports, like ours, where the other imaging machines can be re-deployed to replace the ones they're losing.

The goal is to have the equipment available at airports where they're used the most.

TSA officials say passengers in Grand Junction will experience little impact at the checkpoint as multiple layers of security, including metal detectors, will still be used.

They say, "security standards will not be compromised."