Airport looks to add international terminal

Eye on the Sky

Business and civic leaders from around the area joined Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley on Friday to show support for the county’s recent federal grant application to build an international terminal at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

“A redeveloped international concourse at Mitchell International Airport is important for the future of our regional economy. We know federal funding is critical for this economic development project to move forward,” said Crowley. “I am proud of Milwaukee County’s strong partnership with the federal government, and it’s my strong hope that we receive these funds to enhance the airport’s competitiveness, making it a more attractive option for airlines, businesses and travelers, thereby supporting the region’s and state’s economic vitality.” 

Approved grant money would facilitate the redevelopment of the airport’s E Concourse into an international terminal which would accommodate international air service and, in turn, foster economic growth in the region.

Eye on the Sky

“Our region is home to a number of businesses headquartered in locations around the globe. Conversely, many locally headquartered companies are doing much of their business overseas,” said MMAC President Dale Kooyenga, who spoke at Friday’s press conference in support of the grant application. “Ease of travel in and out of Milwaukee is important to these organizations. It also serves as a factor in our region’s economic growth and competitiveness. We appreciate and support the efforts of local and federal leadership in bringing a new international terminal to our hometown airport.”

Redevelopment of the concourse would replace two aging buildings with a state-of-the-art facility and has earned bipartisan support from elected officials in Wisconsin. ​


All major design work for concourse redevelopment is complete with the project shovel-ready, but cannot move forward without grant funding, according to a statement from Crowley’s office.  
 
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport generates about $3 billion in economic activity while supporting about 26,000 jobs.