Hartsfield-Jackson Begins $215 Million Baggage Screening Project

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport began constructing the Transportation Security Administration's in-line baggage screening facilities near the north and south terminals in July. A special government-airport partnership will make the federally mandated TSA Baggage Screening Project a reality at an estimated cost of $215 million.

Constructed in two phases, the two underground facilities, one each at the North and South Terminals, are being built to accommodate the electronic security screening of checked baggage. Airport representatives expect construction of both phases to be completed within 12 to15 months.

The north terminal facility will encompass roughly 67,000 sq. ft. while the south terminal will total approximately 54,000 sq. ft. Each screening area will be constructed underneath the upper level curbside entrance points of both terminals. Aviation officials anticipate the electronic screening devices being in full operation by the fourth quarter of 2005.

Value of Georgia's June Contracts Up by 30 Percent

The value of contracts for future construction in the state of Georgia increased by 30 percent in June, compared to the same period of a year ago, McGraw-Hill Construction reported. All sectors experienced double-digit increases, led by the nonbuilding sector's 84 percent uptick. Overall, contracts for the month totaled roughly $2.25 billion, or about $500 million ahead of last June's pace.

The nonbuilding sector again was the greatest percentage gainer, improving by 84 percent over last June to end up at $444.7 million. Residential moved up by 18 percent to total nearly $1.2 billion for the month. Nonresidential improved by 28 percent from a year ago to total approximately $652.6 million.

For the year-to-date, Georgia activity is 21 percent ahead of 2003's pace. Residential is 24 percent ahead of the first six months of 2003, with approximately $7.2 billion reported so far. The second-largest market, nonresidential, is now 13 percent ahead of a year ago, with roughly $2.9 billion of contract value reported to date. Nonbuilding is 26 percent ahead year-to-date, with a nearly $1.5 billion total.

Clark Design/Build Team Awarded $73.6M Contract at Fort Stewart, Ga.

Clark Design/Build of Tampa was awarded a $73.6 million emergency funded contract on May 25, 2004, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Savannah District for the design, total site development and construction of a modular barracks campus, laundry facilities, battalion headquarters, company operations, arms vaults and vehicle maintenance facilities at Ft. Stewart, Ga. Three battalions and 852 soldiers of the 4th Brigade, U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division will use this facility.

This design/build project must be completed in 142 days and includes a first occupancy milestone target of just 77 days for barracks, laundry, battalion headquarters and company operations buildings to service the first 240 soldiers. "This is the most aggressive schedule I've encountered in my 24 years with Clark," said Dave Young, Clark's onsite construction executive and vice president for the project.

Approximately 102 acres of previously forested area was cleared and grubbed in only eight days, and within two weeks, more than 16,000 sq. ft. of modular office space was completely operational for use by the staff of Clark Design/Build, the USACE personnel and the project's key subcontractors.

The design workshop sessions that defined all site grading, utilities, building components and approved design were completed in only two weeks with construction drawings issued 29 days from contract award.

Despite rainy conditions during the first 30 days, the work has proceeded on schedule. The first of 142 custom barracks modular buildings were delivered on June 30, 2004, 20 days after the design layout and construction requirements were approved.

"This will be the first project built to house a combat ready unit that will improve on the Army's already rapid deployment," said Colonel Michael W. Biering, director of Public Works at Ft. Stewart.

Clark Construction Group of Tampa is the acting general contractor and design/build coordinator for the project. LS3P Associates Limited of Charleston, S.C. is the lead designer.

Shaw Group Wins Part of $200 Million City of Atlanta A/E Services Contract

The Shaw Group, Baton Rouge, La., recently announced that Shaw/AIM JV, a joint venture of Shaw Environmental and AIM Partners was awarded a contract by the City of Atlanta to provide engineering and construction management services for various departments within the municipality. The contract will support the city's architectural and engineering needs, including the recently announced $3.3 billion sewer rehabilitation effort. Shaw/AIM JV was one of six companies selected under this contract, which has a potential shared value of over $200 million.

Shaw/AIM JV is the prime contractor in a teaming arrangement with Applied Engineering & Science; Bench Mark Management LLC; Cheeks/Hornbein Architects; Environmental Resource Services; Neil Engineering; Precision Engineering & Surveying; The Mosby Law Group; and Washington Group International.