After initially balking at the cost, the state Board of Public Works has approved a $21 million airport cleaning contract for an organization that employs the disabled.

The board had delayed action on the deal with The Chimes Inc., a Baltimore-based nonprofit group, at its July 17 meeting. Members questioned whether a contract of that size should be awarded without competitive bidding. But after receiving additional information from the Maryland Aviation Administration, the board this week approved the three-year contract.

The Chimes will employ people with physical and developmental disabilities to provide custodial services at Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

Pub Date: 8/07/98