$1 Billion Makeover Plan for LA Airport Approved

A $1 billion plan to upgrade the Los Angeles International Airport's international terminal has been approved.

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners voted Monday to award two contracts totaling $1.26 billion to expand the aging Tom Bradley International Terminal to accommodate more passengers and larger planes.

The project involves demolishing the terminal and replacing it with two new concourses with nine gates that will handle jumbo jets such as the Airbus A380.

Bond and airport money would pay for the expansion, with completion expected by 2013.

Airport spokesman Albert Rodriguez said it would be the biggest public works project in city history and create 4,000 construction-related jobs.

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