The Chairman of the Charleston County Aviation Authority is investigating claims that 2 members of the board inappropriately contacted the firm in charge of the airport's new terminal project.
Andy Savage said in a board meeting Friday that he has attempted to meet with the 2 members at the center of the allegations. He said he does not want to involve law enforcement at this point.
"I want to speak to the people involved. I want to get my impression of what's going on. I am not saying in anyway that it was inappropriate by law," Savage said.
The Terminal Redevelopment and Improvement Program Committee has been researching plans to hire a firm to oversee the on-site construction of the new terminal. There are 2 options: Colorado-based firm Fentress or the Michael Baker Corporation. The Baker Corp. sent plans to the Committee that state the firm will hire local contractors to work on the project. The Deputy Director of Engineering and Planning with the airport said the company that would be hired under Baker's plan to do special inspections is not qualified.
During Friday's meeting, Savage directly asked representatives from the Baker Corp. if they did hire contractors the 2 board members asked them to. The Representatives stated that they did, but because the contractors were qualified to do the work. It is not clear at this time if the board members would have received money because of their recommendation. Savage says that he will lead an open investigation.
"Anything I do will be public, and I can assure you that I will look into this, and I will report back to the board that will be done in a public session, not a private session," he said.
The Board voted to table the plan to hire a company to oversee the on-site construction Friday. Savage says the Committee must meet within two weeks to make a decision about which company to hire, which the board will approve in a special session.
The names of the two Board members accused of the contact have not been released. Savage said it is too early to tell if the members did anything illegal.
