Document text
SUNNY Temp: 63 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Sunday, June 8, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend May 22, 2003 New Medford airport terminal proposed By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune A new $35 million Medford airport terminal that would meet current safety standards could be built in the next two years to replace the existing building. The proposed new terminal, which was endorsed by county commissioners Wednesday, would support up to a million passengers a year, compared to about 500,000 passengers now. Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport director Bern Case said cost estimates for the terminal have ranged from $30 million to $35 million, with federal grants picking up $25 million to $27 million of the tab. The remainder would be paid off through revenue bonds that come from fees and other services provided to the airlines. Advertisement Case said the terminal is designed to meet the valley’s needs for the next 20 years and to accommodate future expansion. He anticipates preliminary construction could begin in summer 2004 to expand the parking area, roadways and utilities. The new terminal, which would be up to 80,000 square feet compared to the current 37,000 square feet, would be constructed in the existing short-term parking area. Jim Young, staff architect for the San Francisco engineering firm URS Corp., said other proposals have been considered, including the renovation of the current facility. But the alternate plans have drawbacks, said Young, whose firm is helping prepare the $180,000 study and financial analysis of the project. The existing terminal is 600 feet from the runway, rather than the 750 feet required of new terminals by the Federal Aviation Administration. "A new terminal could be built where we are but they wouldn’t give us any money for it," said Case. To qualify for federal grants, any new facilities must meet FAA regulations and more stringent safety requirements that followed the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The new terminal also would help avoid continuing violations of fire regulations that have plagued the airport since new security measures were put in place. "We do violate code on occasion when we get busy," said Case. Every Friday, when there are three or four flights in close proximity, the new security regulations create a backup in the middle of the terminal, Case said. Better surveillance at the new terminal would mean a reduction in security manpower. Across the country, Case said, airports have been so overstaffed with Transportation Security Administration employees that the TSA acronym is often referred to as "Thousands Standing Around." Case said security prohibits him from disclosing the exact number of TSA personnel working at the terminal. But trimming the numbers will be one benefit of the new facility. County Commissioner Jack Walker wondered if the new building could be designed to accommodate wide-body jets like Boeing 747s. Case said there will be a parking area that will support heavier aircraft, and the terminal could be enlarged in the future to handle these jets. Passengers will be able to enter commuter planes through enclosed ramps that can be raised or lowered depending on the size of the aircraft. Actual construction of the new terminal probably would not begin until summer 2005, said Case. Because of safety regulations, the new terminal would have to be built 300 feet from the nearest parking lot, but some of the fencing and other safety measures in between would be offset by extensive landscaping, said Case. The old terminal would eventually be torn down, making room for aircraft parking. Airport officials are working on plans for a new tower that could be built around the same time as the terminal and cost about $10 million to $12 million. Funding for this project would come entirely from federal grants. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times