Construction of Duluth's new airport terminal building begins

Site preparation work begins Monday for Duluth's new $65 million airport terminal building.

Duluth's Airport Authority has approved a final conceptual design that Airport Director Bryan Ryks said takes advantage of open space and natural light. The new terminal will have twice the available baggage handling and separate space for domestic or international flights.

"It will include much larger passenger waiting areas," Ryks said. "As people go through security it will open up into a concessions area and rest rooms; and have a great view of the airfield as individuals are in there waiting for their flights."

Work this summer will include a new road and utility work. Construction on the building begins next summer, pending more than $11 million in state bonding money next year. If things go well, Ryks said, the terminal could be completed in three years.

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