New $30M redesign of Presque Isle Worldwide Airport terminal unveiled
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Plans for a brand new $30 million airport terminal had been unveiled Thursday in Presque Isle.
Scott Wardwell, director of the Presque Isle Worldwide Airport, introduced the constructing design to a small group that included U.S. Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine.
The prevailing terminal, constructed within the early Fifties, is out of compliance with present Federal Aviation Administration requirements and may’t accommodate the variety of passengers utilizing it at the moment, Wardwell stated. The brand new facility will develop companies and accessibility, and will likely be extra enticing to guests.
“I consider that changing this terminal with a state-of-the-art, lovely terminal that meets the FAA’s requirements will assist appeal to extra vacationers and vacationers to Aroostook County and likewise extra companies,” Collins stated.
Pink brick and arches will give the brand new facility a New England really feel, Wardwell stated, displaying a 3-D rendering of the design.
The 2-story construction will incorporate designs from different buildings in Presque Isle, Bangor and Portland, and can be impressed by the terminal in Plattsburgh, New York, he stated. The constructing will likely be 25,000 to 30,000 sq. toes. Sq. footage knowledge on the present terminal was not instantly obtainable.
The bag checking and safety areas will likely be expanded and improved, together with bogs within the safe part and the addition of a hearth alarm system compliant with FAA requirements, each of which the present constructing lacks. Different additions will likely be a brand new airport ramp and a bigger automotive rental area.
The Presque Isle Air Museum will develop and will likely be relocated to the brand new constructing.
Building of the terminal is predicted to start in June 2024.
Round 80 p.c of the anticipated $30 million value will likely be eligible for funding by way of the FAA’s Airport Terminal Program as a part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Regulation. The Maine Division of Transportation will fund 2.5 p.c, and town may also pursue grants.
Relying on state and federal funding town receives, Presque Isle must pay between $1.2 million and $5 million, metropolis officers stated earlier this month.
Collins is vice chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, which offers with laws funding a number of businesses. She is requesting just a little greater than $20 million in funds to assist construct the brand new airport terminal, she stated.
Appropriations requests should cross associated subcommittees and votes by the Home and Senate. By the tip of July, extra appropriations payments are anticipated to maneuver by way of the Senate.
Wardwell carried out a walk-through tour of the terminal, together with Kelli Heu, basic supervisor of United Airways’ United Floor Specific, which serves the airport.
“Seeing [the new airport terminal design] at the moment will assist me be a good higher advocate for you,” Collins stated.
