HOISINGTON ? Federal authorities have asked a Kansas artist to design metalwork using an I-beam that came from the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, with the plan to display the final pieces at several airports in the state.

The Transportation Security Administration commissioned Bruce Bitter of Hoisington earlier this year to craft the 9/11 Memorial. Artwork made from his designs will be featured in Wichita’s Mid-Continent, Great Bend, Dodge City, Hays, Liberal, Manhattan and Garden City airports, The Great Bend Tribune reported.

Each artwork will include a piece of the I-beam. The design for the Mid-Continent will be 48 inches in diameter with a stainless steel pedestal and weigh 500 pounds. The pieces at small airports will be 24 inches in diameter, also with a pedestal, and weigh between 200 and 300 pounds.

Each design includes an eagle and a flag with nine stars and 11 stripes, signifying 9-11.

When the TSA was looking for an artist, it went to B&B Metal Art in Hoisington, which is owned and operated by Bruce and his brother, Brent Bitter.

“The concept they had was magnificent and will be a stunning piece of work,” said Keith Osborn, federal security director with the TSA at Mid-Continent. “Respectful. Reverent, It was appropriate.”

Bitter said he hesitated at first to accept the project but has become more excited about it.

“I feel Brent and I are honored to have this opportunity,” he said.

The I-beam has passed tests for safe lead levels. The 1-inch thick, 11-by-20 beam weighs about 120 pounds per foot.

Mid-Continent Airport will place the sculpture by the central entrance to the airport, where walls will be extended to enclose the piece on three sides.

The TSA is currently making arrangements to transport the I-beam to Bitter’s workshop. Brent Bitter will work on the pedestal and support cradle for the I-beam.