-Culmination of five-year, $92 million project draws crowd of more than 600- HUNTSVILLE AL- The Port of Huntsville celebrated a milestone event last night - its 45th anniversary - with the opening of its most recent capital improvement project. Huntsville International Airport's (HSV) new baggage claim area marks the completion of a five-year, multi-phased, $92 million capital improvement and expansion project.
The baggage claim area was the final phase of construction and totaled $25.9 million. W.G. Yates and Sons Construction was the lead contractor and Huntsville, Ala.-based Chapman Sisson Architects led the design.
"We embarked on this project to meet the tremendous needs of our growing community and region. Our goal was to create both a welcoming place for our residents to return, and a first-class impression to those traveling to our city," said Rick Tucker, Port of Huntsville executive director.
Total improvements to the baggage claim area included:
• Three underground fed baggage carrousels
• Addition of second elevated crosswalk to new parking deck
• Five escalators
• One glass elevator
• Two state-of-the-art Jumbotrons
• New ground transportation and rental car area
• Additional public waiting area
• Expanded curbside loading and unloading
The footprint of the new baggage claim area increased to 40,738 square feet from 10,620 square feet - more than triple the size. The previous baggage claim area was updated in 1988.
The event, which drew an estimated crowd of 600 also, featured an original art design depicting the evolution of the Port of Huntsville over the past 45 years. Local artist S. Renee Prasil painted the artwork on to part of the event space floor and the painting was distributed to guests on commemorative note cards.
"The culmination of the baggage claim opening and our 45th anniversary is a fitting tribute to all those who came before us and helped lay the foundation for what is now a premier transportation center, not only in the Tennessee Valley region but the entire world," said Betty Fletcher, chairman, the Port of Huntsville board of directors.
The Port of Huntsville opened in its current location on Sunday, Oct. 29, 1967. Since its inception, it has grown to nearly 7,000 acres of land, comprised of the Huntsville International Airport (HSV), International Intermodal Center, and Jetplex Industrial Park. Passenger service is provided by four commercial airlines with more than 72 flights per day and nine nonstop destinations. Over 1.2 million customers are served annually. - Huntsville Airport, Chantel Minish