Panama City Airport Authority Waits for Final Permits for the New Airport

June 21, 2007

With groundbreaking quickly approaching for the new Panama City-Bay County Airport, authorities are trying to finalize the project.

Panama City Airport Executive Director Randy Curtis says receiving final permitting from the Army Corps of Engineers is the last thing they need before beginning construction.

"We're continuing to work with the corps on that. We're in the I think final stages of it. I don't have a specific date on when it will be issued, but we're getting close."

He also says talks continue with all three bidders. At this point PCA appears to be the top bidder, but they want to take a look at all the details of the two other contracts.

"We're making sure we have a good understanding of what those proposals are and what they mean in terms of dollars and as well as the developments that would be coming..

The board also awarded PBS and JA partial contract to conduct some additional design components for the project itself.

"They have a contract. They've been working on the project for many years. Today we just authorized continuation on design efforts."

But what seemed to capture a lot of people's attention at the meeting today was a new technology that will help security issues at airports.

Curtis says the existing airport will be used as a test bed.

"The Navy department is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration on research development on new technologies in regard to aviation security and airport security."

Board members say they're still aiming to break ground in June. The new airport is scheduled to open sometime in 2009.