Airport Improvements Program
After years of controversy and court battles, the Long Beach Airport, under the leadership of Director Mario Rodriguez, is moving ahead with a $136-million improvement project designed to modernize the facility without sacrificing its historic Art Deco terminal or reputation among travelers for convenience.
A new 2,000-space parking structure was completed ahead of schedule and below budget. The new concourse is currently underway. It was developed to improve the customer experience by providing resort like amenities. When complete it will have a central palm garden, outdoor dining areas with fire pits, wine bars, and 11 gates. In addition, $5 million will be spent to refurbish the old terminal, which was built in 1941 and declared a historic landmark by the city decades later.
The project will retain the open-air feeling of the current terminal complex, and passengers will still walk across the tarmac when boarding or leaving their planes. The baggage claim also will be partially enclosed, as it is today.
The entire project will be complete in early 2013.
Read more about this topic: Long Beach Airport
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