Congressman wants federal help for F1

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Congressman Mike McCaul will ask that federal assistance be provided for the first Formula One weekend in Austin.

“Super Bowls are designated as a national event and I think this is definitely a national event,” McCaul said after a meeting with Austin city leaders on Monday. “I will be pursuing, with the Secretary of Homeland Security, additional federal resources for the city of Austin.”

The congressman met with city leaders on Monday to discuss the preparedness plan for the weekend of Nov 16. As many as 300,000 people are expected to take part in the F1 festivities that weekend.

Mayor Lee Leffingwell said the agencies involved are ready regardless of federal assistance but admits extra help would be welcomed.

“We are used to doing big events, but we haven’t seen anything like this,” said Leffingwell.

McCaul, the chairman of the Homeland Security Oversight committee, said the international nature of the race warrants Washington’s attention.

“It is going to take some persuasion,” said McCaul about the ability to get federal resources devoted to the race. “They haven’t delivered the resources already.”

McCaul said four additional lanes will be open at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for customs and will remain open through the Thanksgiving holiday.