'In addition to the significant, ongoing economic impact created by the airports, several major, multi-year construction projects are fueling even greater economic growth in the region,' said Elaine Roberts, A.A.E., President & CEO of the Airport Authority.
The first major project is the replacement of the south runway. The replacement runway, which will be 702 feet south of today's current south runway, maximizes the use of airport property by providing enough separation from the north runway for simultaneous arrivals and departures. The new location also sets the stage for a second passenger terminal, which will be built in the center of airport property as dictated by increased passenger activity. The current south runway, which includes original 1928 pavement in some areas, has been extended and repaved over the years and with this new project will be converted to a taxiway.
More than $45 million in runway replacement project funds were approved during this week's meeting of the Board of Directors, with the majority of those funds going to Shelly & Sands, Inc. for paving and electrical work as well as the installation of aircraft navigational aids. The entire four-year project, which includes related work such as modifications to the Airport Golf Course, is estimated to cost about $143 million. Earth and utility work is already under way with the runway to open June 2013.
The Board also approved more than $4.2 million in funds for the final phase of pavement rehabilitation and lighting replacement for a runway at Rickenbacker, the cargo-dedicated airport on the south side of Columbus. Once completed this project will have spanned three years and resulted in an investment of about $15.3 million.
Another major construction project currently under way at Port Columbus is the new in-line baggage screening system that will enhance safety and customer service. Terminal lobby congestion will be alleviated when the screening equipment is moved behind the scenes, enabling passengers to once again leave their luggage at the airline ticket counters. This $34 million project started in 2010 and will be functional by Thanksgiving, with some work continuing into 2012.
'We recognize that our business and community partners rely on the successful operation and development of Port Columbus, Rickenbacker and Bolton Field airports,' said Roberts. 'We take great pride in providing safe, enjoyable airport environments on a daily basis while also planning for the long-term growth of these critical aviation assets. We are fortunate to be able to accomplish this while also creating a significant impact to the local economy.'
