Construction has begun on the new US$13.9m passenger terminal at Prescott Regional Airport – Ernest A Love Field in Arizona.
Willmeng Construction, a Phoenix-based commercial general contractor, and Fann Contracting, a Prescott-based heavy civil construction company, will construct the 18,000ft2 (1,670m2) facility, which will replace the current 1940s terminal. Designed by DWL Architects of Phoenix, the new terminal is expected to be complete by spring 2021.
The project was funded by the FAA and various state partnerships. In addition to the passenger terminal, the airport is to get a new commercial service apron, baggage handling system, vehicle parking and roadway.
“It takes local support to make things happen. We ask for these three simple things, that the local community respects the asset, acts as a good steward, and when we provide federal money, spend it,” said Mark McClardy, the FAA’s director of the Western Pacific Region. “This was a very competitive process. We had about 167 applications from different airports, but only four grants were issued. We are all in for Prescott.”
Over 200 invited guests celebrated the groundbreaking, including local, state, and federal officials.
“We couldn’t have done it without the hard work, the vision, and the support of so many,” Robin Sobotta, airport director, City of Prescott, explained. “An economic generator is happening in our community. Thank you to our engineering, design, and construction partners – I’m glad we’re building our first terminal together.”
Construction will not interfere with flights or airport activity, according to the airport.