Eastern Iowa Airport kicks off final phase of terminal modernization

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Eastern Iowa Airport is finally ready for takeoff with the fourth and final phase of its terminal modernization project — a step that signals the end of about a decade of work on the massive project.

Local and state officials gathered for a Monday groundbreaking ceremony at the airport to mark the last step in bringing the $120.9 million project across the finish line.

When completed, the work will improve travel and passenger amenities, expand concourse space to accommodate larger planes and position the airport to capitalize on growing demand.

The $68 million fourth phase includes remodeling the rest of the terminal from Gates 4 to 9. It will add 32,000 square feet, which will include four additional jet bridges, a larger patio with a license to serve alcohol, a sensory room for people overstimulated by travel and a pet relief area.

Construction is estimated to take 18 to 24 months.

The numbers

Funding for the fourth phase includes $28.3 million from the Iowa Commercial Aviation Infrastructure Fund created by Gov. Kim Reynolds using federal American Rescue Plan Act money; $20.4 million from the Federal Aviation Administration; and $19.3 million from Cedar Rapids Airport Commission fund.

Airport Director Marty Lenss said nearly 1.4 million people live within 70 miles of the airport, so this project stems from all the residents and visitors who use it.

He said it was impressive the airport was able to finance the project without taking on debt or using local taxpayer dollars.

“Eastern Iowa flies CID, and ultimately that is what makes days like today possible,” Lenss said.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said the airport is a gateway to the Corridor and Cedar Rapids metro. As the airport has transformed over the last several years, O’Donnell said she hears from people that the airport punches above its weight.

“I’m not sure what you think our weight class should be, but with Marty and his team behind us, we’re moving up,” O’Donnell said.

In remarks prepared by Reynolds — which were shared by O’Donnell because the governor could not attend the groundbreaking — Reynolds said Iowa’s aviation industry delivers an annual economic impact of $6.4 billion and supports around 41,000 jobs. Every dollar of airport capital expenditures results in about $16 back to Iowa's economy.

“It's hard to imagine a more effective one-time, high- return investment or anything more critical for Iowa's long-term growth, prosperity and continued economic development,” Reynolds stated in her remarks. “ … The Eastern Iowa Airport is an essential piece of the puzzle. It helps stimulate tourism, encourages business growth and connects our state to national and global markets.”

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, a Marion Republican who represents Iowa’s 2nd District covering northeastern Iowa, said she is a frequent airport user and hears many compliments about the quality of the facility and the friendliness of its staff.

Hinson said the partnership involved in funding the airport project will pay dividends for years to come and go a long way toward keeping Cedar Rapids the best place to live and work and offering a great destination for travelers and new businesses.

“We just offer a tier-one level experience here in Eastern Iowa, so I'm proud of that experience that CID offers to travelers,” Hinson said. “This investment will continue that tradition of excellence in their travel.”

Iowa Department of Transportation Director Scott Marler said the airport has an annual economic impact of more than $300 million and more than 3,700 jobs.

This project works together with investments in roadways to keep Iowa’s multimodal transportation network strong, he said, noting the upcoming project to reconfigure the Interstate 380 interchange at Wright Brothers Boulevard SW.

The terminal modernization will “position the airport for decades of service to the community region and state,” Marler said.

‘Great place to be’

Airport Commission Vice Chairman David Nieuwsma said the state and federal grant dollars will go to local contractor Rinderknecht Associates and that construction will create an estimated 450 jobs.

Work began on the overall terminal modernization project in 2014. The FAA provided $39.1 million, the state contributed $30.2 million and the airport commission gave $51.6 million to the $121 million project.

The first phase covered exterior transportation including new facade, new curbside canopy and sidewalks for $6.2 million.

The $13.3 million second phase involved transforming the public space in the terminal’s nonsecure areas, including rental car and airline ticket counters, baggage claim and more skylights.

Expansion of the security checkpoint came in the $33.4 million third phase. That phase also added 54,350 square feet for additional restrooms, two more jet bridges and additional hold room space and concessions.

“We believe that the work completed to date and the work that will be done in phase four shows we're doing everything possible that we could do to be the best first and or last impression from the traveling public while being fiscally responsible to the region,” Nieuwsma said.

In grant applications for the project, Lenss said the airport received more than 35 individual letters of support from across its seven-county region, showing how powerful collaboration can be around the Corridor.

“When we come together as a region, we can accomplish great things,” Lenss said. “I hope this terminal modernization is a continual reminder to everybody here and those that are not here that Eastern Iowa is a great place to be.”

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