Set to be overhauled are two of the airport\u2019s taxiways, the \u201cWest Apron,\u201d and the airport\u2019s automatic check-in baggage handling machinery. The airport will also invest in a $150,000 marketing agreement aimed at improving its market share and growing the number of passengers who utilize it. The bulk of the funding for the projects \u2014 95% \u2014 will come from the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s Airport Improvement Program.<\/p>\n
The Corpus Christi City Council approved the multi-million dollar overhauls<\/a> without any public discussion as part of the \u201cconsent agenda\u201d portion of its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 11. The vote was one of the first official acts led by Mayor\u00a0Pro-tem Kaylynn Paxson, who is serving as Corpus Christi\u2019s top elected official while Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo serves out a 30-day suspension<\/a> after the council last week found her guilty of misconduct while in office.<\/p>\n The airport\u2019s baggage handling system accounts for the largest share of improvement funding. Nearly $5.6 million will be spent to create a \u201cconsolidated baggage screening facility\u201d behind the ticket counter, according to documents obtained by\u00a0MySA. As part of the project, SpawGlass Contractors will relocate the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) baggage screening equipment away from public spaces, which will create more room in the ticketing lobby. Upgrades will also be made to the baggage system\u2019s conveyor and security equipment.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, more than $2.5 million will go toward improving two of the airport\u2019s taxiways \u2014 Taxiway Echo and the Taxiway\u00a0K West Apron where ground crews work. During the FAA\u2019s 2025 certification inspection, officials noted that the pavement on Taxiway Echo needed substantial \u201crehabilitation\u201d to correct poor drainage that causes water to pond on the 2,000-foot-long taxiway which serves to connect the airport\u2019s two primary runways. As such, the taxiway will be remilled and repaved.<\/p>\n Finally, in an effort to drive passenger growth, the council approved a $150,000 contract with Corpus Christi<\/a>-based marketing firm\u00a0Morehead Dotts Ryback. The council\u2019s go-ahead allows the company to earn as much as $600,000 to market the airport if certain options are exercised.<\/p>\n \u201cMDR will spearhead strategic marketing campaigns to elevate awareness of air service operations\u2026 and encourage regional travelers to fly local,\u201d officials said.<\/p>\n