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May 12--Two new contracts have been awarded for continued work on Myrtle Beach International Airport's terminal expansion project and the completion date is still November 2012, according to Mike Illes, construction manager for the Horry County Department of Airports.
Illes gave his report at Wednesday's meeting of the Horry County Airport Advisory Committee.
Myrtle Beach-based Melton Electric was awarded the electrical contract after a $6.7 million bid, according to Illes. Schindler Elevator Corp., received the elevator and escalator portion of the contract at a bid of more than $937,000.
Illes said the contracts have been routed for signatures.
The monthly progress report stated the passenger boarding bridges will be advertised for bids in May, with a June 23 bid date.
The total project is budgeted at $114.3 million, and $16.7 million has so far been billed, according to the report.
Expansion of taxiway A is set to be finished this month and will complete Phase I of the project, the report stated.
Illes said one minor setback was a delay on the opening of the airport's service road.
"We were hoping for about two weeks ago, but it has been delayed a little bit," he said. Illes added they hope to have the road open for traffic on Monday.
The expansion of Harrelson Boulevard remains on budget and is expected to be finished in November, followed by opening for traffic in January, according to Illes.
Almost $9 million has been budgeted for the expansion, according to the report. Around $2.8 million has so far been billed.
On Tuesday, Bob Woods, assistant director of the Myrtle Beach airport, approached the Horry County council at the Committee of the Whole meeting about ordinances authorizing the airport administrator to execute agreements for parking and concessions.
The current agreement for the management of the airport's public parking lot expires on Aug. 1, according to Woods. The plan is to sign a contract with Republic Parking System, a move that will bring in $1.5 million to $1.75 million for the airport.
Woods told the council they're looking to continue working with MSE Branded Foods of South Carolina for operation of the existing food and beverage concessions, as well as those in the expanded terminal.
"We've billed out three locations in the new terminal, an investment of approximately $2.5 million," Woods said.
The council recommended passing along both ordinances to the formal Horry County Council meeting on Tuesday.
Contact BRAD DICKERSON at 626-0301
