DEDICATION OF AIRPORT TERMINAL TODAY

The $1.3 million remodeled terminal building at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport will be dedicated today.

Airport Manager Randy Holdman has a two-hour slate of activities planned, starting at 3 p.m. at the airport.

"We want to get as many people down here as possible so we can get the word out that we've got a great new facility," Holdman said.

A skydiver will drop into the airport with the American flag to start the event, followed by remarks from state Sen. Peter Kinder and U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson.

Following the speeches, presentations will be made to the families of John E. Godwin Jr. and Rush H. Limbaugh Jr., two aviation pioneers who were instrumental in creating the municipal airport. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned, followed by a 4 p.m. reception in the terminal.

Holdman said the airport will be replete with aircraft.

"We'll have a large static display of aircraft with a wide variety of planes," he said. "Also, the city police and fire department will set up displays."

The Missouri Pilot's Association will fly 25-50 airplanes into the airport to take part in the festivities, Holdman said.

In addition, the Fox-23, KBSI Kid's Clubhouse will be on the grounds, where children will be able to meet "Kool K."

At 5 p.m., there will be a drawing for two free airline tickets for anywhere Trans World Airlines flies domestically, including Hawaii.

The Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport is the only all-weather, tower controlled airport on the Mississippi between St. Louis and Memphis, Tenn.

The terminal building renovation project was the first phase of a $4.5 million airport improvement project.

Other phases will include construction of a new fire protection water system, the purchase of an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle, renovation and expansion of the general aviation apron, construction of a new taxiway and installation of new airport lighting.

The terminal building parking lot and airport entrance road also will be rebuilt -- work that's already started.

"I think a new parking lot and entrance road will be have as much effect, aesthetically, as the new terminal building," he said.

The airport manager said it's important for Cape Girardeau residents to realize the value of the airport.

"It isn't just the Cape Girardeau airport," Holdman said. "It's the gateway for an entire region and this facility can really be the agent to spur economic growth throughout the region.

"This area has a lot to offer as far as quality of life, and the new terminal helps provide an important image to help attract business."

Part of the terminal building renovation include the expansion of the airport restaurant and the addition of a lounge at the facility.

Holdman said the restaurant is open daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. He said people who already have seen the remodeled building have been impressed.

"I think people are starting to view the terminal not just as a place to walk through to get on an airplane, but as a place to spend some time," Holdman said. "There's enough air traffic down there that it can be entertaining to just come down and watch the airplanes."