JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois, has joined officials for the grand opening of MidAmerica St Louis Airport's expanded terminal, following a $31m multi-year project.
The MidAmerica St Louis Airport terminal project expanded the existing 53,500 sq ft terminal by an additional 41,000 sq ft to meet the needs of the growing number of passengers at the airport. The expansion will enable travellers to enjoy a new, larger TSA screening area, two additional boarding bridges, service animal relief area, family restrooms, nursing room, expanded departure lounge, storm shelter, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant renovations, baggage handling system improvements, water bottle filling stations, and security enhancements. The work was financed by $24m of federal dollars and $7m in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
“These investments in local infrastructure in St Clair County will encourage travellers to fly through MidAmerica while ensuring the Metro East remains on the map as a popular destination for visitors,” said St Clair County Board chairman Mark Kern. “Our communities will reap the benefits of this terminal expansion project as MidAmerica passenger numbers continue to soar and travellers choose to shop, dine and stay in St Clair County.”
MidAmerica St. Louis Airport acts as a gateway for business and recreation visitors to the Metro East region – in addition to significant air carrier activity, there is regular usage for corporate, military, air cargo operations, aerospace manufacturing and aerospace technology research. The airport has an annual economic impact of $3.1bn while the state-wide aviation system produces a $95.5bn annual economic impact.
Image: MidAmerica St. Louis Airport
