Mike Race calls for covered parking at airport
Republican candidate for House District 3 Mike Race announced Wednesday he'll push for covered parking at the Juneau Airport if elected in November.
Race is running against Democratic incumbent Beth Kerttula in the Nov. 5 general election to represent downtown Juneau, Douglas, Lemon Creek and the airport area.
"We're the capital and the airport is our front door," Race said in a prepared statement. "People arriving or departing have to slog through wind, rain and slush to get to their cars, taxis or the terminal."
Race didn't detail where the funds for such a project would come from, but added the effort would include state, federal and private industry.
"Anchorage named its airport after U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, and they were able to renovate their airport," Race said. "Maybe we should name our airport after Don Young, chairman of the U.S. House Transportation Committee."
Race said as a member of the majority he would be able to accomplish more than his opponent and make sure that Juneau gets its "fair share of the pie."
Patty deLaBruere, airport business manager and security coordinator, said the idea has been discussed at airport board meetings, but right now the security issues of passenger and baggage screening are the highest priority at the airport.
"By all means it's a good idea," deLaBruere said, but added that it's a project that still needs a lot of planning.
Kerttula declined to comment on covered parking at the airport, but said if elected she would continue with her work to provide quality schools in Juneau and devise a statewide fiscal plan. Kerttula added she also would work on the issues of cruise ship pollution and ensuring Juneau remains the capital city.
Timothy Inklebarger can be reached at timothyi@juneauempire.com.