MILWAUKEE (June 30, 2015) – Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele was joined by County Supervisors Michael Mayo, Sr., Patricia Jursik, Jason Haas, Steve Taylor, and Martin Weddle on Tuesday to unveil the final phase of General Mitchell International Airport’s Baggage Claim Renovation Project.
All five carousels are now open to the public, marking the end of major construction work on the Baggage Claim building. The project includes the addition of a new glass canopy extending over the vehicle roadway to protect travelers during rainy weather. The Airport is seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification due to its energy efficient design. A new, green roof is now visible from both parking garage skywalks, and a new skylight spans the entire length of the building.
“The new Baggage Claim is gorgeous and creates a more inviting, spacious environment for travelers as they arrive in Milwaukee,” County Executive Abele said. “We are excited to show off this new facility as we continue to provide the best experience for travelers throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois.”
The original building dates back to the 1950s and was last remodeled in the mid-1980s. The $45 million project is being completed on time and on budget.
“Mitchell Airport remains a strong economic engine in our region, and I am pleased that this project will make our great airport even better,” said Supervisor Mayo, Chairman of the County Board’s Transportation, Public Works & Transit Committee. “This project is clearly a win-win-win for Milwaukee County, for the travelers who use Mitchell Airport, and for all our airport partners.”
The Baggage Claim roadway will remain closed to all vehicles except buses and shuttles until road work wraps up in late July. In the meantime, the Airport is offering one hour of free Hourly-section parking to help drivers meet passengers while avoiding delays on the shared Ticketing/Baggage Claim roadway.
General Mitchell International Airport is owned by Milwaukee County and operated by the Department of Transportation, Airport Division, under the policy direction of the Milwaukee County Executive and the County Board of Supervisors. The airport is entirely funded by user fees; no property tax dollars are used for the airport’s capital improvements or for its day-to-day operation.
