San Diego Airport Authority Leaders awarded 2013 Economic Opportunity Award for The Green Build

LEAD San Diego recognizes Board members, President/CEO

SAN DIEGO, 2013-05-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — At last night’s LEAD San Diego’s 11th Annual Visionary Awards, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority leadership was awarded the 2013 Economic Opportunity Award for The Green Build, the largest construction program in the history of San Diego International Airport.

Board Chair Robert Gleason, Board Member Bruce Boland and President/CEO Thella F. Bowens were recognized for “visionary leadership in creating economic opportunities that improve the quality of life in our region and that might not otherwise exist absent their efforts.” The Airport Authority has successfully managed a billion-dollar program to add 10 new gates, a dual-level roadway to separate arriving and departing passengers, a bright new concessions core and additional airfield improvements.

More than 8,000 people have worked on The Green Build over its four-year timeline, including hundreds of small and local businesses. These businesses received more than $450 million in work at the airport—a significant number for a project of this magnitude.

“The Airport Authority is proud of the work its small businesses have done on The Green Build, and the collaboration between the Authority and its contractors that created an atmosphere of inclusion and opportunity,” said Bruce Boland, chair of the Capital Improvement Program Oversight Committee, which directs The Green Build. “This airport construction project came at a crucial time in San Diego’s economy, but the results of the cooperative effort will last long into our community’s future.”

Capitalizing on its financial strength and the federal stimulus program, the Airport Authority also secured a low interest rate for its Green Build construction bonds, which saved more than $40 million over the life of the bonds.

Additionally, Airport Authority leadership recently instituted a new concessions program to bring 87 local, regional and national dining and shopping options into San Diego International Airport, many of which will be in the new Green Build areas. These new concessions have generated new opportunities for small and local companies. Among the small and local businesses coming to the airport in 2013 are Phil’s BBQ, Saffron, Jer’s Chocolates, Stone Brewing Co., Pannikin Coffee & Tea and Warwick’s of La Jolla.
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