Airport Check-in: Detroit seeks rail system, new runway

— -- Detroit Metro has unveiled a wish list of projects, including an airport rail system, a new runway and bigger terminals. The airport based its plans on projections that its passenger traffic will grow 67% in the next 20 years to about 60 million.

The rail system would connect the McNamara Terminal with the North Terminal, which is under construction and scheduled to open in late 2008. It will also connect to a planned consolidated rental car facility and possibly link to a regional rail system that is being considered by local authorities.

The new runway would be the airport's seventh. The airport is also considering lengthening Concourses B and C in the McNamara Terminal.

To help pay for the projects, the airport is urging Congress to raise the passenger facility charge limit to $7 a ticket from the current $4.50. Northwest, the airport's largest tenant, opposes funding the rail system using passenger facility charges, airline spokesman Dean Breest says.

INDIANAPOLIS

Artwork begins sprucing up new terminal

Indianapolis International has installed its latest artwork at the yet-to-open midfield terminal.

Made by sculptor Dale Enochs, Elemental Indiana is a bronze-and-stone sculpture that depicts earth, water, fire and air. Enochs uses limestone quarried near Bloomington, Ind., where the artist lives.

The airport plans to spend about $4 million to install 16 artworks in the new terminal, which is scheduled to open in late 2008. Total cost of the terminal: $1.1 billion.

The first one, a glass mural by British artist Martin Donlin, has already been installed.

BOSTON

More good eating landing soon

Travelers will see new sit-down restaurants at Boston Logan's Terminal B this month. Todd English's Bonfire, a steakhouse, has already opened.

Legal C Bar, a seafood restaurant, will open later this month.

BAA Boston, the airport's food concessionaire, will also open several grab-and-go places this month: UFood Grill (health foods), Ryo Asian Fusion (sushi), Cosi (sandwiches), Villa Pizza and McDonald's.