City Council approves airport upgrades

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin Bergstrom International Airport is preparing for $5 million worth of improvements. The City Council on Thursday approved the measure, which will enhance both the service and security.

One of the more noticeable upgrades will be curbside at the terminal. Huge potted plants at the entrances and exits were put there after the Sept. 11 attacks as a barricade against vehicle threats. But since then, they've become an eye sore at the airport.

"Nothing really ever grows in them very well, said ABIA spokesman Jim Halbrook. "They attract birds and their droppings. They're used a lot for ash trays."

Wing-shaped pillars will replace the potted plants, maintaining the security into and out of the terminal in a more appealing way, and new benches will be added.

"Appearance is important, especially since we're getting the F1, said Pflugerville traveler Rosie Riddick.

Presidential Boulevard, which is the loop around the airport, will be resurfaced with better directions. And, a temporary cellphone waiting lot will be built to make way for a nicer one with a gas station and convenient store.

Airport revenues will initially pay for the cost, but the Federal Aviation Administration is reimbursing 75-percent of that. Travelers say it's money we'll spent as Austin continues to assert itself as an international destination.

"This is one of my favorite airports. [ABIA's] very efficient," added Riddick.

Most of the projects will be complete by Summer 2013. Repaving the road around the terminal is the only thing that should be finished by the Formula One race in mid-November.