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Board hears terminal construction progress, jet-bridge training and systems readiness
Summary
Staff told the board that terminal finishes, jet-bridge equipment and training are progressing and that UAvionics surveillance equipment is delivered and awaiting installation; staff said the terminal opening is targeting mid-spring but change orders have shifted timing.
Airport staff provided a multi-part construction and operations update at the board meeting.
Director John summarized terminal progress: terrazzo flooring and interior finishes are being completed, perimeter fencing and landscaping are underway, spare parts lists and training plans for new jet bridges are in development, and staff are coordinating rapid-response plans for equipment issues. John emphasized interior finish work (terrazzo) is gating some remaining tasks and noted steps to prepare airline and staff training before opening.
Steve (projects) reviewed the airport master-plan stakeholder work and recent FAA coordination, described completion of a stormwater/weir-wall repair that required a unique casting (8—610 weeks lead time), and said a parking study is underway because the terminal's unusual lot layout complicates automated tag-reader systems. Steve said Elite Parking's vendor review found many unpaid vehicles under the honor system and staff are installing temporary gates while planning permanent solutions.
On surveillance and comms, Steve said all UAvionics equipment has been delivered and fiber work completed; UAvionics will schedule a 1—62 day visit to install hardware and train controllers, after which controllers will have a radar-like display (5-, 10- and outer radii out to roughly 25—630 miles) that should help detect traffic beyond visual range.
Steve also reported nearing completion of a tower renovation at HXD with new countertops, a private in-cab restroom module to reduce controller departures from the cab, and relocation of the beacon to improve maintenance access. Staff confirmed the Buford Executive runway rehab is complete pending final pavement repainting and that a parallel taxiway extension is being designed for a spring 2027 bid with grant funding anticipated.
Board members asked whether the terminal still targeted an April opening; staff said they are aiming for mid (month unspecified) but recent change orders (including a concourse bar) have pushed the schedule and more precise dates will be announced as work completes. Staff said grand-opening events and a ribbon-cutting will be coordinated with the Chamber when the date is confirmed.
The board did not record a roll-call vote on the construction updates; staff will return with further schedule details and operational plans for training and common-use systems.
