Airport parking deck considered

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority officials are considering covered walkways or a parking garage to keep passengers out of the elements.

Airport Authority member Jim Hall raised the covered walkway idea Monday after officials discussed constructing awnings over parking equipment in Lovell Field's lots.

He said the equipment and passengers both provide airport revenue, and he wondered about walkways to help protect patrons walking to the terminal.

Mike Landguth, Authority president, said walkway protection has been explored in the past.

He said he didn't know a time frame for building a garage or how it would be funded. But the airport's long-range plan now being crafted may address the question, Mr. Landguth said.

Mr. Hall said the walkway concept deserves another look.

"I'd just like to look at it again, particularly if there're state funds available," he said. "That could be something that's very helpful."

In other developments:

* The airport recorded 26,832 boardings, a 5.33 increase in October compared with the same month a year ago. For the year so far, boardings of 264,221 passengers are 3.89 percent higher.

Mr. Landguth credited lower fares as well as economic growth in the region for the passenger traffic growth.

"We're excited about where we're at right now," he said.

* Airport officials agreed to a contract for demolishing the former Target building on Lee Highway.

Tristar of America of Norcross, Ga., will take down the building and its concrete pad for about $203,600. The building is expected to be down within 90 days, Mr. Landguth said.