The project, slated to wrap up in August 2011, also includes a ground water heat-exchange system that will provide cooling throughout the terminal and eventually will be used to heat the building as well.

Independent of the terminal expansion, Martel Construction also recently completed a $3-million rental car-service facility at the airport, which included three buildings for car preparation, washing and fueling for the eight rental car providers at the airport.

Future Plans

The hard times of recent years haven’t stopped airports from thinking about their futures. Salt Lake International is considering a long-range plan for consolidating its three terminals into one. An environmental study is in progress and will be ready for public review next summer.

In response to record-breaking passenger boardings this year, the Durango-La Plata County Airport in Durango, Colo., is working with Jacobs on developing a new master plan to address increased volume and plan for future expansion. The airport anticipates planning throughout the fall and aims to take a new plan to the FAA for approval by January.

The airport also expects to solicit bids in March for a $2-million commercial apron rehabilitation, currently in design.

The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is consulting with two firms—Mead and Hunt Inc., Madison, Wis., and Jviation Inc. of Denver—on a master-plan assessment of the airfield and terminal infrastructure. The planning may take a year or longer, and projects could range from a terminal expansion to landscaping improvements.

Current work at Aspen-Pitkin includes a $17.5-million runway extension.

In Hailey, Idaho, the end is near for Friedman Memorial Airport. The FAA ordered the regional airport to be closed and replaced after failing a “hazard test” last year. The Friedman Memorial Airport Authority is halfway through the environmental review process for a replacement airport, with two possible sites in Blaine County under consideration.

The authority selected Leedon Hunt, Minneapolis, to serve as project manager and oversee the process. Preliminary budget for the project is $190 million, with $100 million in public funds and the rest from private investment.

Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport in Lewiston, Idaho, is planning a new $2-million taxiway and apron project for 2011. Currently, the airport is preparing to seek bids for a $2.3-million utilities project, expected to start by January.