SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - A planned expansion of the security checkpoint at the Sioux Falls airport is aimed at reducing lines.

The Airport Authority has approved the hiring of a local architecture firm to design the expansion. The Argus Leader newspaper reports that the project could include escalators, an elevator and more lanes.

The hope is that lines at the security checkpoint can be kept short even as the airport's passenger count grows.

The design work is to be done by the end of the year, enabling the airport to seek bids for construction next year. Actual construction isn't expected to begin until 2015.

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