Construction is underway on a new pedestrian walkway for international passengers arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Currently, passengers arriving from international origins must recheck baggage containing security sensitive items and retrieve them at the baggage claim in the non-secure area of the airport. The new walkway will eliminate the need for baggage recheck and guide passengers directly to the main lobby of the airport with their baggage. The international pedestrian walkway is scheduled to be finished in October 2003. It will guide passengers from Customs and Immigration, through a tunnel, to a 500-foot-long moving walkway running parallel to Sky Harbor Boulevard. An elevator and pedestrian bridge will then lead international passengers to level three of Terminal four, where they will arrive in the non-secure area of the Terminal. Since the walkway will serve as a gateway to Arizona, international passengers will be introduced to the state's unique southwestern charm from the moment they step off the plane. The unique design will provide visitors from around the world with their first glimpse of Arizona plant life and artwork when they arrive in Phoenix. Civil Engineer Shane Shovestull says, "We will incorporate Arizona elements while ensuring the most direct and efficient path to the terminal." Visitors will be greeted at Customs with artwork that welcomes them to Arizona. Sky Harbor Art Program Manager Lennee Eller says, "We want the international pedestrian walkway to project Arizona from the moment passengers enter the airport in Phoenix." After international visitors leave customs, they will travel down the enclosed window-lined walkway. As they look outside, they will view a Sonoran Desert sculpture garden complete with original artwork, Arizona's world-famous Saguaro cactus and other desert plants. They will also have the option of walking outside and strolling through the garden. Eller says the garden will "have a wonderful Arizona flavor, introducing visitors to this unique state and its many charms." Desert Botanical Gardens is assisting with the landscaping. Signs will be posted in the Sonoran Desert sculpture garden to identify foliage that may not be familiar to international travelers. Federal grant money will pay for more than half of the $16.2 million International Walkway project. The sculptures will be part of the airport's collection and are being purchased with aviation percent-for-arts funds. Up to one percent of the cost of any capitol improvement project at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport goes to public art and enhancements.