In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the urgent need to develop a plan for enlarging the terminal building at the local air center, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current operations during the expansion. The proposal includes identifying funding sources to support this initiative, with the city currently holding $2 million in grant funding earmarked for planning and potential enlargement of the terminal. An additional grant application for $1.5 million is pending approval.

However, the financial requirements for the project are substantial. According to Armstrong Engineering, the estimated construction costs for adding three gates and a 20,000 square foot expansion would total approximately $20 million. A scaled-back version, which would include two TSA security screening lines and a minimal passenger area, is projected to cost around $12.2 million.

The discussions highlighted the challenges of funding and timing, prompting a recommendation to form a working group to address these pressing issues. Officials noted that previous plans for a complete terminal rebuild could exceed $30 million, making it imperative to explore feasible options that align with available resources. The urgency of the situation calls for immediate action to ensure the air center can meet growing demands without compromising its operational integrity.