Co. Airports Director Addresses Carmichael Chamber

The Sacramento International Aiport is looking ahead to the future with a new terminal opening in late 2011, the county airports director told attendees today at the monthly luncheon for the .

Construction is underway at the county's flagship airport on Terminal B, a $1 billion project, Hardy Acree said at.

The Sacramento County Airport System is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field.

The new terminal will feature an open, airy design that Acree said will be certified with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver rating and emulate the Sacramento-area landscape.

"I visited the site this week," he said. "For me, it's a religious experience."

Features will include an automated people mover system and local and national retail and dining options.

Acree joked about how airports have been in the news lately in a negative light with a Southwest Airlines flight from Phoenix to Sacramento having to land in Yuma, Ariz. because of a hole in the ceiling. Also, there has been concern over air traffic control towers after instances of operators asleep on the job.