The Rochester International Airport (RST) will soon enjoy major improvements that will meet the demands of the traveling public as well as upgrade the U.S. Customs facilities.
Kraus-Anderson, one of the Midwest’s oldest and largest commercial general contractors and construction managers, will begin construction on the 12-month project April 10. The $12 million infrastructure initiative will include centralized ticketing counters, consolidated baggage claim area and an expanded U.S. Customs area.
A groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. April 19.
“The facility upgrades will provide an enhanced customer experience for those landing in Rochester and doing business in southeast Minnesota,” said John Reed, executive director of the Rochester International Airport. “The U.S. Customs expansion also addresses safety and security standards required to bring the facility into compliance to maintain the airport’s ‘international’ designation.”
Scheduled service from key U.S. markets by Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines connects 230,000 passengers annually from around the world, generating $161 million in annual economic activity, and 2,911 jobs with $73 million dollars in annual payroll. Cargo carrier Federal Express also serves RST.
One of the significant improvements to the 56-year-old building will be to the main terminal lobby, where the airlines currently have ticket counters and baggage claims located on the east and west ends of the terminal. Upgrades will combine and relocate the ticket counter areas for all airlines to one side of the terminal and the baggage claim for all airlines to the other side.
In addition, U.S. Customs, which serves as a Port of Entry and processes passengers from more than 100 countries, will be expanded to 20,000 square feet. The addition will increase efficiencies for international travelers to meet the current safety, security and space requirements.
Funding for the RST upgrades included: $7.3 million from federal funds; $3.8 million from the City of Rochester; and $790,000 from MnDOT Aeronautics.
“Rochester International Airport is a critical economic asset for Rochester and the greater southeast region,” said Reed. “These upgrades will encourage more flyers to choose RST and Fly Local, which will help to retain our existing service and recruit additional routes and frequency. We also are most grateful for a strong collaboration between federal, state and local governments to fund this important project.”
Construction work to be performed will not affect airline schedules or airport operations.
