"Baton Rouge Airport to be complete in 2003"

Tuesday, October 8, 2002 

BR Airport to be complete in 2003 
Renovations more than two years past due 
By Peter Marshall 
WBRZ-TV News2, Baton Rouge (LA)


The renovation of Baton Rouge Metro Airport started in January of 1998.
It was supposed to take 2 1/2 years, instead it has taken four, and it's
not over yet. 

When travellers come to pick up their bags the first thing they see in
the baggage claim area are exposed wires, flourescent lights, and
plywood walls. 

"It's like any other airport...it's always under construction," said one
business traveller. 

Another: "This is about what you would expect at most airports right
now." 

But while business travellers seem un-phased by the construction, those
who work here are much less forgiving. 

"I wouldn't bring my friends out here," says six-year airport worker,
Alvin Green. "I'm embarassed you know. This is a wonderful place, and it
should not be like this."

Iray Ledoux managed the airport from 1977 through 1995. The need for
renovation was first recognized during his tenure. 

"The airport should not have been more than a two year project," he
said. 

Since the first contractor on the project defaulted there has been 14
months of delays, and repeated legal hassles with Caldarera construction
company. They were forced off the job by the Metro Council for failing
to meet their contract. 

Current airport manager, Anthony Marino says the unfinished baggage
claim area, while certainly an eye-sore, only comprises 15 percent of
the 300,000 square foot building. Marino expects the baggage claim
portion of the terminal to be finished by the Thanksgiving holiday. "The
remaining terminal construction should be wrapped up by April of 2003,"
he says. 

Marino says he refuses to simply toss taxpayer money toward greedy
contractors, and if that means delays in construction so be it. After
all, he says, 85 percent of the terminal is already finished.

Attached Photo:

Airport renovations continue

br_terminal.jpg