Miami airport may add slots to lure of surf and sun

— -- Times are tough for airports, forcing them to consider unconventional revenue sources.

Times are tough for airports, forcing them to consider unconventional revenue sources.

Miami-Dade County officials have approved a measure that authorizes the county manager to begin the process of possibly adding slot machines at Miami International.

Miami state Rep. Julio Robaina, who has been supportive of other gambling proposals in the past, told The Miami Herald that adding slots at Miami International could set a bad precedent. "Next thing it will be in a supermarket, in a mall," he said. "This is not something that I think would be beneficial to a community."

Earlier this year, a Maryland lawmaker also introduced a bill in the state Legislature to install 3,000 slot machines at Baltimore/Washington airport.

Indianapolis auctions off airport items

On Aug. 4, the Indianapolis Airport Authority will hold a public auction of surplus items resulting from closing the former Indianapolis International main terminal. Proceeds will be put toward airport revenue shortfalls and capital projects.

Among the items expected to be sold: plumbing and electrical fixtures, computers, tools, vehicles, a large iron Statue of Liberty, a 35-piece series of framed posters illustrating the life of Princess Diana, and aviation-themed banners and benches.

Some industrial items will be sold to airport service providers in a sealed bid process, including stair sets, aircraft maintenance tools, seating, service counters and luggage conveyors.

Indianapolis International's new $1.1 billion main terminal opened late last year.

Rental car facility back in gear

Citing recent signs of recovery in the global economy, Seattle-Tacoma says it will resume construction of a consolidated rental car facility. In December 2008, the airport suspended the $420 million project because a downturn in the credit market made selling bonds difficult at the time. The airport said then that it might delay the project for up to one year until long-term financing could be found.