Chattanooga Airport officials are gearing up for the biggest expansion to its passenger terminal in over 30 years. Over the weekend, reports came that work on the approximately $28 million project is set to begin this June.
The project will add 26,000 square feet to the terminal, including three new passenger loading bridges, increased security lanes, and more restrooms and concessions. The expansion also includes 36,000 square feet of renovations.
Once started, construction is estimated to continue for approximately two years. Local builders J&J Contractors of Chattanooga secured a $23.9 million work contract earlier this year and have already begun acquiring materials, the Times Free Press reports.
Chattanooga-based engineering and design firm, Allen & Hoshall, received approximately $1 million to manage this project. Airport Authority is spending $3.1 million for the three passenger loading bridges for the gates.
Airport officials say funding for the project will come from three sources. About $12.5 million will come through federal grant money, some $3.5 million will come from organizational funds, and $8 million collected through the airport’s passenger facility charge of $4.50 on every ticket.
With this expansion, Chattanooga Airport enters phase two of its 20-year master plan. The first phase came with the completion of a $25-million parking garage that increased the airports capability to accommodate 1,300 additional vehicles.
The airport also added a new city to its list of direct flights, with a non-stop route to Miami, Florida set to start early next month.
For more information visit Chattanooga Airport’s website, here.
Dive into another local aviation expansion project, here.
