The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) confirmed yesterday that it has spent $32 million to date in contracts to Bahamian firms, as the $129 million second stage of the Lynden Pindling International Airport redevelopment project gets well underway.

"This figure represents 27.7 percent of the total value of construction contracts awarded so far for this stage of the project," said NAD's president and CEO Stewart Steeves.  "We anticipate that the percentage will increase as we confirm the number of Bahamian sub-contractors working with international firms on the C-240 contract."

The project is also injecting direct cash into the local economy, NAD confirmed in a release sent yesterday, with just under $5 million spent for local services in May, bringing the total to $8 million for stage two.  The construction of a new 226,000 sq. ft. international arrivals terminal and pier is the second phase of the $409.5 million LPIA redevelopment project.  NAD said yesterday that the facility is expected to open by in the Fall of 2012, with plans to again partner with Ledcor Construction and its Bahamian affiliate Woslee Construction to complete stage two. The Ledcor/Woslee team was the general contractor for stage one.

With an aggressive construction timetable, the release said airport officials are reporting an average of 154 workers on site during the initial demolition and construction phase.  The number of workers is expected to increase to more than 400 during peak periods in upcoming months.

Stage two of the $409 million airport redevelopment project began back in March, with selective demolition of the old US departures terminal.  Recently, airport officials placed more benches along the route for arriving visitors in need of a break, following reports of lengthy walks along the new corridors to the arrivals terminal.  Several water coolers for refreshment were also supposed to be placed there.

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