Old Baggage System Poses Challenge for Tulsa Airport Trust

Airport officials project it will cost $6.5 million to replace the system.

"Unfortunately, the system as it is laid out has drawbacks," Hough said. "The way it is set up now, it is very difficult to do maintenance. Also, the system has curves, turns and steep slopes that cause some bags to fall off. It also is narrower than current systems."

The more expensive replacement option, estimated to cost $8.5 million, is to relocate it to permit installation of wider conveyors, gentler inclines, broader curves and increased clearances for ease of repairs.

"The question is whether it's worth the extra $2 million over the 20-year life of the system," Hough said. "But increased reliability means better customer service. Over 20 years, increased customer service is probably a pretty good thing to do."

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