(Blountville, Tenn.)-- An upcoming terminal building improvement project at Tri-Cities Regional Airport will include roof replacement, exterior painting, interior carpeting, upgrades to the fire alarm systems and the removal of some building materials that contain asbestos. In preparation for the improvements, the Tri-Cities Airport Commission performed a building survey for asbestos containing materials (ACM). Because the terminal building has been constructed in phases going back as far as the 1930s, building materials were tested in various locations throughout the terminal building. Some ACMs were found in specific areas, but the materials evaluation indicates that the materials are in acceptable condition that poses no imminent danger of asbestos fiber release.

• Tenants and Airport employees have been notified of the locations of ACMs
• Periodic air quality sampling will be conducted to insure the ACMs are maintained in an acceptable condition
• Where needed, ACMs will be removed prior to any construction that would disturb these materials.

"This is the first terminal-wide renovation project that has occurred since the mid-1990s. The first phase of these improvements will begin this summer, with a second phase planned for next fiscal year," said Patrick Wilson, executive director.

The terminal improvements and any needed removal of ACMs will be conducted in the safest possible manner using certified abatement contractors. The project will be phased to prevent impact to the traveling public or other users of the facilities.