Range Regional Airport Passenger Terminal Improvements

Range Regional Airport Passenger Terminal Improvements

Introduction
Range Regional Airport is a public use facility operated by the Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority. It is located four miles southeast of Hibbing and 12 miles from Chisholm. Formerly known as Chisholm-Hibbing Airport, it has been serving Minnesotas Iron Range Region since 1948. Range Regional Airport serves the needs of the region for commercial airline service, charter airline service and general aviation. It is a key economic engine of economic growth in Minnesotas Iron Range region by providing business and visitor access. Commercial air service to Range Regional Airport consists of two flights per day of 50 passenger regional jets to and from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). These flights are subsidized under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The recent transition from turboprop service to regional jets at the Range Regional Airport has seen a 25% increase in commercial enplanements so far for 2012. In addition to the regularly scheduled commercial flights, seasonal charter flights from Range Regional Airport to Laughlin, Nevada are operated by Sun Country Airlines, utilizing Boeing 737s which can accommodating up to 162 passengers.

Built in the 1970s, the existing Passenger Terminal is inadequate for serving commercial aviation because of the following constraints

Range Regional Airport Passenger Terminal Improvements

Undersized Passenger Boarding Area without restrooms. Inadequate TSA Passenger Security Checkpoint. Undersized passenger check-in area. Undersized baggage claim area with inadequate bag storage capacity. Inadequate space for TSA outbound baggage inspection.

Range Regional Airport Passenger Terminal Improvements

The lack of adequate terminal facilities means a reduced level of service for the traveling public:

Overcrowded Waiting Area (2011)

Baggage Claim spilling outdoors (2011)

Overcrowded Waiting Area (2011)

Outbound Baggage Inspection in Public Lobby (2011)

Range Regional Airport Passenger Terminal Improvements

Other issues with the current terminal facility include: Current Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is inefficient and reaching the end of its useful life. The electrical system is not in compliance with current codes. Terminal lighting is inadequate and inefficient. Exterior walls are inadequately insulated leading to passenger discomfort and occasional frozen pipes. Existing roofing is not adequately sloped leading to ponding issues and leaks. In 2011, the Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority commissioned a study to explore upgrading the Range Regional Airport Passenger Terminal to meet current and future needs of its travelling public. The plan developed includes the following enhancements: A larger passenger boarding area would be created which includes public restrooms and an area for vending machines. A new larger Passenger Screening Checkpoint meeting TSA standards would be created. A larger area for baggage claim would be developed with a recirculating conveyor belt to increase baggage claim capacity. A new, discreet TSA baggage screening area would be created behind the ticket counters; sized to allow for the installation of a automated baggage screening device and meeting TSA standards. New TSA office and staff break rooms would be created to allow improved access of TSA staff to the passenger checkpoint and checked baggage screening area. The airline check-in counters would be reoriented to the west facing the landside lobby, allowing the airline agents a view of the landside waiting area, security, passenger boarding lounge as well as apron activities and aircraft movements for more effective utilization of staff. Airline offices would be provided with natural daylight to reduce energy use and provide views of the airfield activity. The building would be better insulated and state of the art mechanical systems employed to lower heating and cooling costs, thereby reducing fossil fuel consumption. New energy-efficient lighting would be introduced.

Range Regional Airport Passenger Terminal Improvements

Enlarged Baggage Claim Area

Reconfigured Checkpoint to Conform With TSA Guidelines

New TSA Outbound Baggage Screening

Enlarged Hold Room with Increased Capacity of 100+ Passengers

New Passenger Check-In Area With Increased Queueing Area

It is anticipated that the construction costs associated with these proposed improvements would be approximately $ 5.5 million. Funding would be derived from a variety of Federal, State and Local funding sources.

Range Regional Airport Passenger Terminal Improvements

Phasing Diagram

Range Regional Airport Passenger Terminal Improvements

Terminal Expansion/Remodel Construction 2013-2014 Cost $ 5,500,000.00 FAA (67.4%) $ 3,707,000.00 State (10.4%) $ 572,000.00 Local (22.2%) $ 1,221,000.00

Taxiway "A" and Fuel Facility Relocation Construction 2013-2014 $ 1,900,000.00 FAA (90%) $ 1,710,000.00 State (0.0%) $ $ Local (10%) 190,000.00

Terminal Ramp Expansion/Reconstruction Construction 2013-2014 $ 4,100,000.00 FAA (90%) $ 3,690,000.00 State (0.0%) $ Local (10%) $ 410,000.00

Total

$ 11,500,000.00

$ 9,107,000.00

$ 572,000.00

$ 1,821,000.00

Funds Encumbered to Date Design (Terminal, Taxiway, Apron)

741,685.00