Fargo's Hector International Airport may expand.
The Airport Authority on Tuesday agreed to negotiate with the Fargo firm T.L. Stroh Architects for a study of the terminal's needs, said Alex Macdonald, the board's chairman.
Airport officials want to add a holding room where U.S. customs agents could screen larger charter jets that fly in from international destinations.
Those jets used to clear customs in Fargo, but the rules changed after Sept. 11, said Shawn Dobberstein, executive director of Fargo's airport.
They must now land at a larger airport to clear customs before proceeding to Fargo.
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The authority also wants to add space to the baggage claim and ticket counter areas on the main level and the meet-and-greet area on the upper floor of the terminal. Another gate is a possibility.
"I'm sure there will be other issues that come up," said Terry Stroh, principal of the firm.
The proposed changes are driven by several factors, including an increase in passengers as well as federal rule changes after Sept. 11, Dobberstein said.
"We continue to see record growth at the airport," he said.
The airport authority wants a seven- to 10-month study, possibly followed by design and construction.
Members interviewed four firms Tuesday, with Stroh Architects ranking first, Macdonald said.
Stroh is partnering with the engineering and architectural firm URS, which has a division focusing on airports based in Seattle.
If the firm and the airport can't agree on a contract, the board could work with another firm, Macdonald said.
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He expects to reach an agreement with Stroh.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Andrea Domaskin at (701) 241-5556
