Akron-Canton Airport celebrates opening of new aircraft rescue and firefighting facility

GREEN, Ohio, May 31, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is celebrating the grand opening of its new aircraft rescue and firefighting/operations facility today (ARFF). The new building houses airport operations, field maintenance, and firefighting departments. It is also a part of CAK 2018 the airport's 10-year, $110 million capital improvement plan. The $8.9 million building took approximately one year to build.

"We are so proud of this new building and our incredible team members who work in it every day," said Rick McQueen, President & CEO. "Our operations, field maintenance and emergency response teams work as a cohesive unit, backing each other up when necessary. Their work keeps our airfield running efficiently and safely for our aviation partners including commercial airlines, general and corporate aviation, MAPS air museum, aircraft maintenance and fueling, and the Ohio Army National Guard. This new facility will allow them to be even better at their jobs."

"I greatly appreciated the opportunity to be here to take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Akron-Canton Airport's new aircraft rescue and firefighting operations center," said U.S. Representative Jim Renacci (OH-16). "This new facility is an excellent addition to an already top notch airport. Obviously, it is all of our hopes that CAK will never have to use the firefighting technology housed here. However, if they must, I firmly believe they will be better positioned than ever to react quickly and save lives."

The new 35,000 square foot ARFF facility is located closer to the airfield midpoint, improving our emergency response and snow removal response times. Features of the new building include a spacious snow removal equipment area (allowing for more equipment under one roof); a new fire truck bay featuring larger lockers and additional storage space; a larger brighter operations center featuring state-of-the art weather and flight monitoring equipment; more efficient lighting, and new male and female dormitories. Funding sources for the new building include federal airport improvement program funds (AIP), passenger facility charges (PFCs) and airport operating revenue.

To celebrate the opening, airport officials hosted local dignitaries, elected officials, and emergency response teams from throughout Summit and Stark counties, tours of the building and airport equipment demos. A live fire demonstration and ribbon cutting ceremony followed. Additionally, on Saturday, June 1, the airport will hold a community open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to see the new facility, equipment including fire trucks and get a great view of our runways in action. The first 1,000 people to attend will get a CAK water bottle. There also will be four chances to win a $50 gift card from Southwest Airlines and discount coupons to the 356^th Fighter Group. Free parking for the open house is at the 356^th Fighter Group, next to the new ARFF building located at 4763 Mt. Pleasant Road, North Canton.

SOURCE Akron-Canton Airport