The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority received an additional $1.38 million in July for its airfield lighting and signage replacement project. The funding is from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $8.6 million project received $4.5 million in stimulus funds in the spring, along with a $2.5 million state grant.
As reported last issue, the initial funding is being used to replace nearly all of the quartz lighting on the west side of the airfield with energy-saving LEDs, which use up to 60 percent less energy. Last summer, the Airport Authority replaced the taxiway lights located on the east side of the airfield.
One year after its launch, the RDU Small and Emerging Business Assistance Program is receiving national attention. In recent months, the program has been recognized by a national trade group and featured in a respected trade publication.
RDU initiated the Small and Emerging Business Assistance Program to enable small and historically underutilized businesses to compete and succeed in an airport environment.
Hundreds of construction workers, contractors and Airport Authority representatives were on hand Aug. 7 for the topping out of Terminal 2. Shortly before noon, a crane raised the highest piece of steel over the central atrium, which is a highlight of Phase II of the new terminal.
The moment was a major milestone in the construction of Terminal 2, which began in 2005. Nearly 10 months after the first phase of the $570 million terminal opened, the steel skeleton of the building's south concourse is nearly complete. Watch RDU's new video featuring Terminal 2.
Finding airfare deals is now as easy as visiting www.rdu.com. Recently, the Airport Authority partnered with online airfare service Airfarewatchdog.com to highlight low fares to destinations around the nation.
“By providing this new service, the Airport Authority is making it easier for budget-conscious travelers to plan trips to and from the Research Triangle Region,” said Teresa Damiano, Airport Authority director of marketing.
On Duty: Operations
The role of RDU’s Operations Department is not easily defined. The men and women who comprise the department are on duty 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week with a wide range of duties to ensure that things run smoothly at RDU.
Performing a wide range of functions from airfield and terminal inspections to assisting with emergency response and wildlife management, this dedicated group supports the work of other departments at RDU so that passengers and flights can arrive and depart as scheduled.
Staying Strong in Challenging Times Letter from the Chairman
Walking through the terminals at RDU, it's clear that the summer travel season has arrived. Passengers are taking to the skies this year, albeit in fewer numbers than in years past.
Planning Today for a Greener Tomorrow Airport Director Editorial In the world of today, environmentally-related issues are much in the news. High on the list are carbon emissions and their impact on the current cycle of global warming. Carbon emissions by coal, oil and gas-fired electric power generating plants are a primary target in the debate over actions needed to curtail depletion of the ozone layer.
Recently, the Airport Authority debuted a new video. Produced by Myriad Media of Raleigh, the one-minute production highlights the new Terminal 2 and General Aviation facility. It will be shown on screens in the terminal, on the Internet and through regional presentations to local governments.
RDU Update rduupdate@rdu.com
is published quarterly
by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
for its corporate and community partners and air travelers.
