Work on the new, larger belt will begin soon, at a cost of about $185,000.

The new belt should be ready by Thanksgiving.

The county opted to expand the baggage belt earlier this year after hearing numerous complaints. The belt is too small for the amount of business the airport has been doing since it opened last year.

Direct flights to Florida and South Carolina have proven to be tremendously popular, and each of those jets carries about 150 passengers. The luggage from that number of passengers has overwhelmed the small baggage-claim area.

Passengers often had to go outside in cold weather to retrieve their bags. And those inside find themselves in elbow matches as they struggle to get their belongings.

Legislators agreed to award the contract for a new baggage belt to Murnane Contractors.

The new system will form a T-shape, extending into the baggage-claim area, giving passengers more room to find their luggage.

"This is just something we had to do," said Robert Heins (R-Area 10, City of Plattsburgh), chairman of the county's Airport Committee.

jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com