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Airport's new snow-removal equipment building looks smart now Wednesday Jan 4, 2017 at 12:40 PM Jan 4, 2017 at 5:23 PM Greg Stiles Mail Tribune @GregMTBusiness When Medford airport's expansive snow-removal equipment storage facility was built last year, it induced a few guffaws. As it turns out, the $8 million, 36,000-square-foot building south of the airport terminal opened just in time. The growing collection of snow-removal equipment kept the airport's runways and tarmac clear despite 8.3 inches of snow falling in a 24-hour period. "Despite the fact we had a snarled up, tough schedule today, I thought we had the best snow-removal operation ever at this airport," said airport Director Bern Case. "A few years ago, if we would've had 6 or 7 inches of snow, we would have been devastated." A handful of cancellations and general delays were as much a result of operational issues elsewhere as much as here. A few early-morning departures were canceled because incoming flights were canceled the night before. "Right now, we're in pretty good operational shape," Case said. "Planes are out of place and off schedule, but by the end of the day airlines will have everything untangled." A few travelers wound up sleeping in the airport and a few were flummoxed by planes sitting at the gate. "We've had weather issues throughout the region," Case said. "We're not the only one with challenges. One passenger I was talking with asked if the plane is here and the passengers were here, why can't they leave?" The airport director explained Federal Aviation Administration rules require pilots to receive sleep breaks before returning to duty. "You can only stay awake so many hours," Case said. "I tell passengers to stay connected with the airlines because they're the ones that make the call." For many years, the Airport Authority contracted out snow-removal work before it began assembling its fleet of four vehicles, including a snowblower and additional plow it bought from Jackson County Roads & Parks. Although local streets and highways were icy, Case said roads leading to the airport were passable. "People are coming and going right now," he said. "It may take 20 minutes to clear their windows once they get to the parking lot." — Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/greg.stiles.31