Newstrack: Eastern Iowa Airport Project Halfway Done

BACKGROUNDCEDAR RAPIDS — Facing almost monthly growth in its passenger count, The Eastern Iowa Airport in early 2017 approved a more than $30 million contract for the third phase of its terminal renovation project.Plans for the 54,000-square-foot addition include two new jet bridges, expanded concessions and hold rooms, and the addition of an outdoor patio.What’s more, it also included an expanded Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, including a precheck lane, more post-security concession options and the ability to order food and beverages from anywhere in the post-security area.Also included is a geothermal system for heating and cooling.The plan also included the installation of about 740 solar panels on the terminal roof — equivalent to about 240 kilowatts, or enough to power 21 homes per year.WHAT’S HAPPENED SINCE With the recent completion of an oculus skylight, new escalators, a stairwell and a glass elevator, Phase 3 is about half complete, Airport Director Marty Lenss said.Work left on the phase includes temporarily relocating the security checkpoint for updates, removing the old escalators, adding larger bathrooms and a mother’s lounge, and building a restaurant and coffee kiosk, he said.Lenss added that, while the project originally was slated for a spring completion, it is not expected to be finished until summer.All in all, the project has been moving along smoothly, he said.Design and planning for Phase 4 has begun, but Lenss has said it’s possible added traffic and aircraft size at the airport — that wasn’t foreshadowed in the 2014 master planning process — could force updates to the plan.Lenss has said parking needs will continue to be evaluated, but at this point a parking deck is not planned.In addition to passenger growth, the airport also has seen cargo operations expand.To address freight needs, the airport earlier this year broke ground on a more than $10 million overhaul of the airport’s cargo facilities.• Comments: (319) 398-8309; mitchell.schmidt@thegazette.com