Cedar Rapids Airport Commission approves $30.8 million terminal renovation contract

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Airport Commission has approved a more than $30 million contract for the third phase of the airport's massive terminal renovation effort.

The commission on Monday unanimously approved a $30.8 million contract with Kleiman Construction Inc. of Cedar Rapids for the project, which includes an expansion of the security checkpoint and addition of a second floor — about 54,000 square feet — to the terminal's B concourse. The current terminal size is about 120,000 square feet.

Todd Gibbs, director of operations, said the project will 'bring the terminal into the 21st century,' and represents the single largest project in the airport's 70 years.

'It's a big project, it's the biggest project we've ever done,' Gibbs said.

In addition to the expansion, the project also includes plans for a roof replacement on the terminal and some interior work. Plans also call for the addition of solar voltaic panels on the roof and a new security breach door, Gibbs said.

Other elements to be added in phase three include a geothermal heating and cooling system and expansion of the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, which is to include a pre-check lane; expanded post-security concession options, including the ability to order food and beverages from anywhere in the post-security area; and two added passenger loading bridges, bringing the total up from seven to nine.

New seating with power availability and enhancements to the airport's environmental stewardship also will be added.

The project will require coordination with TSA for the temporary relocation of the airport's security checkpoint, to maintain secure screening.

Kleiman Construction was the lowest of four companies to bid on the project, with the highest coming in at about $33 million.

The commission on Monday also approved a task order with Foth Infrastructure & Environment LLC not to exceed $1.9 million for construction administration duties for the phase three project.

Phase four of the project, for which planning won't begin until next year, could include updates to airport parking.

l Comments: (319) 339-3175; mitchell.schmidt@thegazette.com