Corpus Christi International Airport will receive new and updated passenger walkways (foreground) and runway improvements as part of nearly $7 million in funding recently approved by the City Council. Courtesy photo
The Corpus Christi City Council recently approved nearly $7 million in airport improvements. In addition, Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) received the gold standard of accreditation from the worldwide cleaning industry association.
Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo and members of the City Council approved $4.4 million for new boarding bridges and $2.6 million in runway and taxiway improvements at CCIA. Both projects are 100 percent funded by federal grant money made available due to the pandemic.
Boarding bridges are the long hallway-like structures that connect the aircraft to the terminal gate so passengers can walk directly onto the plane. The current bridges are over 20 years old and need replacement due to upgrades in parts and technology. Passengers will feel the difference in temperature control, and airlines will notice the efficiency of operating the bridges, officials said.
CCIA runway 13-31 will be closed for two to three months for repairs to extend its life. New pavement markings critical to the safe navigation of aircraft is the next assignment on the project, which will also include milling of some taxiways followed by overlay applications.
“Our airport is successfully moving projects funded by federal grant monies that will redefine our future,” Guajardo said. “Improvements to the airport are critical to growing our economy and providing opportunities for our residents.”
Work is scheduled to begin in October and will be phased in to not interrupt traffic flow and to minimize disruption.
Recently, CCIA achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities.
Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, Corpus Christi International Airport has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention. CCIA worked in collaboration with Visit Corpus Christi and other local groups in achieving this designation.
“We are extremely grateful to CCIA for taking this extra step with us and congratulate them on receiving this accreditation,” said Visit Corpus Christi President and CEO Brett Oetting. “Tourism is Corpus Christi’s second-largest industry, and it is crucial that we do everything we can to ensure the safety of our visitors and our local community.”
The STAR accreditation verifies that the airport implements best practices to prepare for, respond to, and recover from outbreaks and pandemics. CCIA was required to demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. Learn more about the STAR accreditation on the advisory council’s website.
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Read More:Corpus Christi airport upgrades funding approved
2021-08-25 19:48:39
