"Aberdeen, S.D., Airport Is Poised to Open New Terminal Building"

Friday, August 8, 2003

Aberdeen, S.D., Airport Is Poised to Open New Terminal Building
The Aberdeen (SD) American News


The countdown has begun: In 17 days Aberdeen travelers will be flying out of
a brand new building.

Aberdeen Regional Airport's new $6.6 million terminal will open Monday, Aug.
25. This announcement was made at Thursday's Aberdeen Airport Board monthly
meeting, which took place for the first time in the new facility.

Work began in spring 2002 on the War Memorial Building. The
15,000-square-foot structure is located 200 yards southeast of the current
terminal.

At first it was thought the terminal would be finished in July. But
completion of the project was delayed temporarily as work was done to
correct uneven stones in parts of the building's floor.

Now, the plan is to make the move to the new terminal on Aug. 23, said
Transportation Director Dave Osborn. Monday is better as the opening day
instead of Sunday because it is a slower day and will be easier to
transition, said Jim Beckrich, manager of Mesaba Airlines operations in
Aberdeen. The Minneapolis-based Mesaba is Northwest Airlines' contracted
carrier at Aberdeen Regional.

No proposals have been received yet for the cafe space in the new terminal,
Osborn said.

Board members said being able to offer food and beverages to passengers is
important for the airport.

"I think we need it because we are losing the (Airport Cafe & Lounge)," said
board chairman Chuck Benson. This business will remain in the current
terminal, at least until its lease expires in July 2004.

The board decided that for now, vending machines -- possibly including cold
drinks, coffee and snacks -- can go in the space. If a proposal comes in and
is accepted, the machines can be moved to a separate vending area.

People can get a sneak peek at the terminal a few days before its opening
date.

The August Business After Hours, sponsored by the Aberdeen Area Chamber of
Commerce, will be held at the new terminal on Aug. 21.

The event will run from 5:15 to 7 p.m. and is open to the public. The cost
is $7 for those who RSVP before Aug. 21. The cost is $9 the day of the
event.


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