Tucson Airport in Arizona is going to get a $28 million terminal upgrade. The local airport authority has approved a $28.3 million improvement project that will expand and update the airport’s security checkpoints. It will also add additional concession space in the gate areas, and improve the airports infrastructure. The expansion project will be built in two phases, with the board approving a contract with Sundt Construction on Wednesday. The terminal upgrades are expected to begin this June, with completion scheduled by November of 2017. The project will be funded by the Federal Aviation Administration through its passenger facility charge program, and the remaining cost will be covered by the Tucson Airport Authority. No local tax funds will be used for the project, according to the airport authority.
Tucson Airport construction schedule
Before the initial construction can begin, two airlines will need to relocate their ticket counters. American Airlines will move to the far west end of the terminal, while United Airlines will move to the far east end of the terminal. The first phase will include work focused on the main terminal facility. The second phase will update the security check points. The Concourse B security area will be relocated to the far west end of the terminal. It will also be expanded from three lanes to four, with the addition of new security equipment. The security checkpoints on Concourse A will also be relocated and expanded. The area beyond the two new security checkpoints will be expanded with additional seating. New retail and concessions areas are expected to be completed by December of 2017.
Tucson Airport history
Tucson was the home of the first municipally owned airport in the United States, first opening in 1919. Commercial flights began in 1928 with Standard Airlines, which would later become part of TWA, and then American Airlines. The Tucson Airport Authority was created to operate the airport in 1948. The Tucson Airport Authority was later involved in bringing the Hughes Missile Plant to Tucson, which is now a Raytheon facility.
Image from www.flytucson.com