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Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is set to begin construction this summer on a long-awaited upgrade: the Milwaukee Mitchell Airport modern terminal project. The new facility will replace the outdated and disconnected International Arrivals Building with a larger, integrated terminal designed to accommodate both international and domestic passengers. Following a recent approval by the Milwaukee County Board’s Committee on Finance, up to $95.2 million has been allocated for the project, which will begin with the demolition of Concourse E—closed since 2016. Price Tag Grows as Project Gets Back on Track Initially budgeted at $55 million in 2019, the Milwaukee Mitchell Airport modern terminal has seen its estimated cost rise by nearly $40 million. The design budget expanded from $4.5 million to $7.1 million, and construction costs jumped to $88 million, driven by pandemic-related delays, inflation, and rising material costs. Airport Director Brian Dranzik said the project was rebid earlier this year, giving officials a clearer financial picture: “We now have a good number to work from, and that’s why we’re seeking the expenditure authority.” Regional Gateway Gets a Needed Upgrade The modern terminal will transform passenger flow at the airport, allowing international travelers to connect directly into the main terminal rather than using the existing separate building. Once completed, the Milwaukee Mitchell Airport modern terminal will include 2 to 5 new gates and offer improved customs processing and traveler amenities. The airport plans to finance the development through a combination of state and federal grants and its own revenues. A Boost for Jobs and the Local Economy Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley supports the project, highlighting its economic impact and importance to the region’s connectivity. Local business and labor groups, including the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce, have also praised the initiative. Construction is expected to start in July or August 2025 and take approximately two years to complete. Project Fact Sheet Project: Milwaukee Mitchell Airport modern terminal Total Cost: $95.2 million Start Date: July–August 2025 Completion Target: 2027 Features: 2–5 gates, integrated design Funding: Airport funds, state/federal grants Replaces: Old Concourse E and International Arrivals Building Project Timeline Year Milestone 2016 Concourse E closed 2018 Funding for international terminal approved 2019 Project budgeted at $55 million 2020 Delayed due to COVID-19 2023–2024 Cost revision and rebidding April 2025 $95.2M approved by Finance Committee July–Aug 2025 Construction of Milwaukee Mitchell Airport modern terminal begins 2027 Target completion |
