Airport projects focus on security

Paul Clinton

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT -- Security-related projects headline the airport’s

construction budget, proving again how long a shadow the Sept. 11

terrorist attacks have cast.

Orange County supervisors approved $1.6 million in contracts Tuesday

to three firms that will manage construction at the airport for the

2002-03 fiscal year.

“Security is the No. 1 priority at John Wayne Airport,” spokeswoman

Ann McCarley said. “We re-prioritized after 9/11 and moved the security

projects to the forefront.”

To keep a closer watch on travelers and suspicious baggage, airport

managers are building a kennel for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department

canine unit.

Using $411,000 in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration, the

airport has already begun work on a kennel that can house up to six dogs.

Work began in May and is scheduled to wrap up later this summer. The dogs

are slated to begin work next month.

Efforts are also underway to build a new firefighting and rescue

station. The facility would allow Orange County Fire Authority

firefighters quick access to any potential aircraft mishaps or crashes.

It would replace a station built in 1976 that has fallen far below

seismic and disabled-access codes. It is now on airport property,

sandwiched between the tower and an entrance to the airfield.

The new Station No. 33 would be a single-story, 14,958-square-foot

building with six bays to store engines and other equipment.

Construction began in May on the $3.5-million project, with a

completion date set for May. The airport is teaming with the FAA, which

is ponying up 80% of the cost.

Airport managers also began work in May on a $2.9-million seismic

retrofit on two parking garages. That is scheduled to be completed in

April.