Findorff Construction has cleared the runway for an airport upgrade in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee International Airport confirmed for Construction Dive.
The Madison, Wisconsin-based general contractor recently broke ground on the $95 million concourse redevelopment project at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The project marks one of the largest investments at the airport in decades, according to a Sept. 16 news release.
The project will replace the existing International Arrivals Terminal, which is not connected to the main terminal, with a new facility that increases capacity for both international and domestic air travel. Once complete, the new concourse at MKE will feature two jet bridges capable of processing up to 400 international passengers per hour, nearly triple the current capacity, according to the release.
“The new Concourse E will improve efficiency for international operations, since airlines will handle international and domestic arrivals and departures from the same gate, rather than towing aircraft from the International Arrivals Terminal to the Main Terminal,” said Brian Dranzik, the Milwaukee County airport director. “The new concourse will also be environmentally friendly, have a modern U.S. customs facility and bring MKE’s passenger experience to an even higher level.”
Officials further emphasized the economic and community benefits at a launch event this month. For example, airport revenue, bonding and $13.5 million in federal support will fully fund the redevelopment. Local property taxes will not be used on the project.
“This project will set the stage for expanded international connections and economic opportunity for our region,” said David Crowley, Milwaukee County executive. “Best of all, this project will not use a single property tax dollar.”
Concourse E first opened in 1969 but has sat dormant since 2017, when airline consolidation left two active concourses at the airport. Findorff began demolition of the existing structure this month and expects to complete construction in late 2027, according to the news release.
