Duluth Airport Plans for Terminal Building Upgrade

Feb. 23--Duluth International Airport is looking for a makeover of its terminal building that's likely to cost between $20 million and $25 million.

Brian Ryks, executive director of the Duluth Airport Authority, said the work is needed to improve the security, efficiency and appearance of a facility originally built in 1974.

The airport also looked at the possibility of completely replacing the terminal building, but that option would likely cost between $40 million to $50 million.

In the next 60 days, Ryks hopes to get federal approval to spend $1.5 million in airport entitlement funds to develop detailed drawings for the proposed project.

With those drawings and plans in hand, the airport plans to approach the Federal Aviation Administration, seeking three rounds of funding for the project between 2006 and 2008.

Ryks made his second trip to Washington, D.C., a couple weeks ago to help drum up support for the airport improvements.

Mary Kerr, spokeswoman for U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Chisholm, said he "has met with Duluth airport officials on this, and he was supportive." Ryks said that 93 percent to 94 percent of the project cost would be eligible for FAA funding, but he acknowledges that obtaining federal money could well be a challenge.

Preliminary plans call for a three-story, 27,000-square-foot addition to the side of the terminal that faces the tarmac.

The front of the terminal also would be reworked. Conceptual drawings propose to open up the south side of the building with a large bank of windows. The roof lines would also be altered because the facility's metal roof currently sheds large quantities of snow onto the walkway below.

Inside the terminal, ticket counter and baggage screening functions would be consolidated in a single area. Previously, American Eagle and Northwest Airlines had their ticket and baggage screening areas in separate parts of the building. American Eagle discontinued service to Duluth last year, leaving Northwest as the sole carrier, but Ryks said the airport authority is planning for a day when the terminal will again be home to multiple airlines.

Ryks believes that a consolidated baggage screening system could make use of new, automated technology that would improve security and efficiency.

"There could be substantial labor cost savings over the long run," he said.

Airport Authority President Julie Larson-Williams said the improvements could help Duluth recruit another carrier and might also promote additional charter service activity.

She contends the terminal improvements are vital to the airport's future.

"If people feel they can get in and out of our airport in a pleasant and efficient manner, I think we will have a better chance to keep people coming here versus having them get in their cars and drive to the Twin Cities," Larson-Williams said.

Ryks said the airport's boarding area would be dramatically improved under a proposed design. A concession area and second-floor restaurant would be open to the general public. Travelers would pass through a single screening area into a large common area with seating.

At present, travelers must wait in small glassed-in compartments at their gates, and these seating areas don't have restrooms.

Airport parking also would be expanded as part of the proposed airport upgrade. Ryks said plans call for the airport's entrance road to be reconfigured. Initially, the airport would gain about 100 parking stalls for travelers, but it would have room to add more parking, as traffic warrants.

The airport is lobbying the FAA for a new control tower as well. The current tower is about 50 years old and has poor sight lines, Ryks said.

In addition to improving safety and efficiency, Ryks said the proposed work would make the facility a more pleasant place for travelers.

"We need a nice front door to our community," Ryks said. "The airport is the first and the last thing many people see when they come here.