Ribbon Cutting Noon May 22 at the Newly Expanded Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport
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May 22, 2015 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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May 11, 2015: Ribbon Cutting Noon on Friday May 22 at the Newly Expanded Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport.
A 3.1 million dollar facelift and expansion has doubled Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport’s (BHB) terminal from 5000 to 10,000 square feet. The small county airport with 2,200 commercial flights annually has upgraded its security area, added new customer service areas and made a more aesthetically pleasing space to an airport that is currently host to two commercial airlines as well as many private planes per year, occasionally including Air Force One.
“FAA Improvement Funds financed 87.6% of the project. The Maine Department of Transportation is providing 4.5%, and the local airport share is 7.9% ” stated Brad Madeira Airport Manager. “We really needed to accommodate more passengers and improve TSA screening.” “ The original building was designed in a pre-TSA era” said Brad. This is a critical upgrade for many small airports across the country due to post 911 security requirements. BHB made do with a very small area for screened passengers, with no restrooms or services on the secure side. Often with heavier traffic in the summer months, the post security room was too small to fit everyone for a specific flight, so multiple groups had to be screened before each flight, which was hugely inefficient.
The new space houses arrival and departure areas, including restrooms and vending machines in the security area. Ticketing and Rental Car desks were upgraded with new cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting. Architects added a large window in the departure area that offers spectacular views of the mountains of Acadia National Park to departing passengers.
“The passenger experience is now much more similar to what you get at other airports with the exception that we can provide a higher level of customer service,” comments Brad. “We have a smaller number of passengers we cater to and very dedicated airline, TSA and rental car staff who are very good at their jobs.”
The ribbon cutting will take place with the assistance of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce at 12 noon on Friday May 22, 2015 at the new terminal building.