Denver Airport Set To Open After Construction Turbulence

Officials say the Denver International Airport will open this week.

But then these are the same people who claim airplanes arrive on time.

Delayed four times in 16 months - with a price tag that’s nearly $3 billion over early estimates - the first major airport to be built in 20 years is scheduled to open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday when a United Airlines jet touches down.

Denver built the $4 billion airport to replace the 64-year-old Stapleton International Airport, which did not have room to expand.

But from the beginning, Denver International has been riddled with problems and cost overruns.

At least a dozen federal and local government investigations are examining allegations of shoddy workmanship, misappropriation of airport funds, attempts to influence city officials and failure to provide enough information to bond buyers about the troubled $200 million automated baggage system.

The baggage system, which is blamed for delaying the airport’s opening twice since October 1993, will operate in the United Airlines’ hub, but isn’t ready for other areas.

The nearest hotel to the airport is still 10 miles away and taxi to downtown, a 25-mile ride, will cost $40.

In other events this week:

Today

Washington State Farm Bureau sends delegation to Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress on the 1995 farm bill.

Tuesday

David Heenan, author of “The New Corporate Frontier: The Big Move to Small Town USA,” will speak at the Momentum ‘95 annual meeting at 11:30 a.m. in the Ag Trade Center. In addition, Gordon Budke, managing partner of Spokane office of Coopers & Lybrand, will be elected president of the 550-member economic development group. Tickets are $25 each. Call 624-8115.

Jeffrey Green, retail advertising specialist from the Newspaper Association of America, gives a free seminar on retailing at 7:45 a.m. at Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park. Call The Spokesman-Review at 459-5052.

The Cowman’s Classic All Breed Bull Sale begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds. About 500 cattle ranchers are expected to attend. Call 208-858-2163 for information.

The Conference Board in New York issues results of its monthly survey on consumer confidence.

Wednesday

Two-day seminar on “Productive Work Groups” begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Business Training and Applied Technology Center, N3939 Freya. The seminar is sponsored by the Training and Education Coordinating Center to help work groups become more efficient and effective. Cost is $69. Call 533-4706.

Thursday

Commerce Department reports personal income and new home sales for January.

The nation’s largest retailers announce their sales figures for February.

Friday

Commerce Department reports factory orders and issues leading economic indicators for January.

MEMO: This is a sidebar which appeared with story: ON THE SHELF Money, March: Want to get ahead over the next decade? Money suggests a career in computer engineering or systems management. If you can’t stand computers, physical therapy is the next best bet, according to the magazine’s annual ranking of careers. OLYMPIC DREAMS Companies that have already bought sponsorships for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta:

Coca-Cola: Sponsor for torch run; special ticket promotions; $60 million in TV commercials. Home Depot: Sponsor for Olympic bricks; in-store displays. IBM: Official provider of information infrastructure. John Hancock: Sponsor of pre-Olympic events. Source: Business Week