By order of the City of Houston, telecommuting for the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP) team ended on June 1, replaced by back-to-the-workplace schedules in light of the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In assessing the past three months, Steve Andersen, Executive Program Manager of ITRP, lauded the vision and decision-making of HAS leadership and staff as well as the significant progress of the ITRP. 

“The response from the City of Houston, Houston Airports Director Mario Diaz, and Chief Development Officer Bob Barker has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Andersen said. “They have kept safety and security for all first, while at the same time empowering the team to continue moving the program forward. Progress and production with regard to ITRP has continued unabated, and we are very well-positioned as airports and airlines move closer to reopening.”  

“I’m very proud of the efforts of ITRP staff, including Program Management Support Services (PMSS) teams and contractors who have successfully worked through many of the inherent challenges we faced in the midst of the pandemic.” 

Some of the milestones that have been met, along with present key focus areas, are: 

• Demolition of Old C North Terminal building which is nearing completion 
• Completion of the City of Houston Controller’s Audit of ITRP with the firm BDO 
• Transition into the detailed design stage for the Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT) North Concourse, Federal Inspection Services (FIS) and International Processor Project 
• Advance design, planning, procurement and Request for Council Action (RCA) preparation for the MLIT and Terminal D/E Garage Enabling Projects 
• Continued, proactiveness responsiveness and mitigation procedures in place counteracting the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The program team, along with designers and contractors, has responded strenuously to WHO, CDC, State and County direction to minimize person-to-person contact through social distancing and other measures 

Andersen comments were echoed by senior staff on the ITRP. 

Max Shoura, Project Manager for the Houston Aviation Alliance, one of the two PMSS teams assigned to ITRP said, “The transition to be able to ‘work from home’ was quite fast. PMSS Staff moved into their new home office environments, remained extremely productive, and continued managing their projects at a high level. All staff are efficiently using the new tools, Microsoft Teams or others, to stay connected, attend meetings, and share relevant information.” 

Shoura said that to a person, PMSS staff were very appreciative that telecommuting was made possible. There was at times a “juggling act” of responsibilities with home-schooling, tending to family members, and other responsibilities introduced to daily activities, but team members managed well. 

“Now we’re excited to return to the office amidst this ‘new normal’ and be together again as an even stronger team,” he said. 

Donna Williams, Project Manager for the Parsons-H.J. Russell Joint Venture, the other PMSS team, quoted evangelist and author Leonard Ravenhill. 

“The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized within the lifetime of the opportunity,” Ravenhill famously said. 

“The ITRP Team quickly reacclimated to the ‘new now’ of teleworking and haven’t missed a beat during the COVID-19 global pandemic!” Williams said. 

“Starting in late March, the PMSS crew began their regular day-to-day operations working remotely, including hosting or participating in all standing (and one-off) meetings using the Microsoft Teams Online Meeting Integration, occasionally working in the Infrastructure Division Office (IDO) and maintaining physical construction oversite visits to the Old C Demo project.” 

Shoura and Williams were quick to add that when onsite visits were necessary, team members strictly observed social/physical distancing guidelines, including wearing masks and keeping the six feet separation mandated by the CDC and followed by the State of Texas, City of Houston, and HAS leadership. 

Houston Airports was responsive and took the initiative from the very beginning. In early March, HAS acted immediately in taking preventive measures to protect the public and its staff from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) airports, custodial services began using hospital grade disinfectants to wipe down surfaces and touchpoints at all terminals. Additionally, hand sanitizing stations and hand soap dispensers were stocked consistently. These are ongoing practices. 

Passengers and employees are encouraged to practice healthy hygiene habits such as washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth, and staying home if sick.  

Audio messages play on the PA system at both airports, provided and recorded by the CDC. The messages voice health recommendations to help avoid the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. HAS also teamed with the Houston Health Department and produced a local Public Service Announcement (PSA) that plays on all airport televisions. This same preventative messaging is displayed on all airport information screens and other locations within the terminals. HAS started a COVID-19 webpage that updated staff on current happenings with regard to COVID-19. 

Additionally, HAS provided masks and clear plastic face shields for employees, along with posting prominent signage for all people entering buildings. 

 “The ability to work at home was a true godsend as this virus raged,” Andersen said. “Advanced technologies allowed work groups to connect digitally and sharing documents, files, and messages, as well as conducting video meetings and conferences were crucial to keeping things moving quickly and well.” 

Described as possibly its most significant expansion project to date in the history of the HAS, the $1.3 billion ITRP will increase the number of international gates, include new technology and provide a world-class experience for millions of passengers each year.  

There is a keen appreciation that IAH and the Houston Airport System must continue to thrive as a hub for commerce, travel and cultural connections. A modern airport serves everyone well. 

“ITRP is in excellent shape,” Andersen said.