Tallahassee International Airport will begin its Terminal Modernization Project Wednesday.
This project is supposed to make flying in and out of the airport easier and more user friendly. It is expected to create more than 200 jobs in Tallahassee.
The Terminal Modernization Project will reconfigure the airport’s lobby up to the Transportation Safety Administration checkpoint.
There will be a new baggage claim system, safety screening machines, ticket counters for airlines and rental car agencies, a new TSA screening room and more.
"This is a step toward our overall goal of improving our airport," said City Commissioner Scott Maddox, commission liaison to the airport. "We are committed to enhancing the Tallahassee air travel experience, from our terminal improvements to adding more flights and lower fares."
According to the City of Tallahassee press release, the demolition stage will be the first step of the process and will begin March 2016. After the demolition phase, the installation phase will begin.
Tallahassee native, Mallex Smith, flies in to Tallahassee about 20 times a year for his profession.
“While the renovations are taking place it may cause travelers a few problems, but when they’re done everything should be running more smoothly and faster. I feel like after these renovations, Tallahassee’s airport will be a more upscale airport.”
Chris Curry, director of aviation at TLH, insists that everything will run smoothly during the process.
"During construction, it will be business as usual," said Curry. "We ask that passengers pardon our dust, and we will continue to keep the high quality of service that our passengers expect."
The construction contract awarded to contractor Cook Brothers Inc. for the amount of $10.5 million. The funding came from several sources.
The project is expected to end in Oct. 2016.
For more information about the airport, visit www.FlyTallahassee.com.