Bismarck, N.D. Officials Show Off New Airport Terminal

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- Officials are showing off the city's $15 million airport terminal, scheduled to open for business next week.

''Ladies and gentlemen, this is a 'wow' building,'' Mayor John Warford said at the terminal's dedication Tuesday.

The terminal has a prairie theme, featuring a special ribbon of floor tile to depict the Missouri River and communities on its banks. The ceiling shows a blue sky with clouds.

The building is about 20,000 square feet larger than the old terminal, and officials said its baggage-handling and security systems are the most modern for an airport of its size.

Airport manager Greg Haug said passengers will get a taste of western North Dakota.

''That's really what we tried to create in the architecture of this building, is a sense and a feel for western North Dakota, the prairie themes and colors and the big open spaces and the blue sky,'' Haug said. ''We got it all.''