Expanded security, new decor among updates in airport renovation

Add to the list of scheduled arrivals at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport: expanded security lines and a warmer, updated decor.

The airport authority on Thursday approved conceptual plans for a concourse renovation project. Construction will likely start in late fall and take almost two years to complete. The work will be done in phases to keep people moving through the terminal.

“It’s a wonderful design,” authority commissioner Mike Luce said.

TSP architects used design elements that tie in with other parts of the building. A wavy, wood ceiling leading from the main lobby to the second level will mimic the canopy outside the terminal. It will lead passengers up a widened staircase that would take the place of today’s moving ramps.

On the upper level, the security area will be expanded from two lanes to four, with room to grow to six security lanes in the future.

The terminal would also get an addition off the upstairs waiting area for offices. Plans are to move the escalators to a more accessible central location.

To give the terminal less of an institutional feel, the design incorporates wood and warm tones. Columns would be dressed up with wood trim and a glowing light at the top.

The design is similar to that of the Rapid City Regional Airport, also designed by TSP.

Airport authority member David Nelson said the Rapid City airport flows well, but he wants to be sure Sioux Falls has its own look.

“It’s going to have a unique Sioux Falls feel to it,” said Michael Jamison of TSP.

The board could select a construction company this summer, and work could start in the fall.

“It’s really something to look forward to,” Nelson said.

The project is estimated at $8.2 million, without some additional mechanical and electrical upgrades and updates in the ticketing, baggage and lobby areas.

The work will be paid for with reserves, but the board is exploring a new passenger facility charge for the first time.

A user fee of up to $4.50 could be added to the price of a plane ticket.

Sioux Falls is one of two small-hub airports in the country that don’t currently collect the fee. All major airports use facility charges, and Omaha is the only medium-hub airport not collecting one.

Sioux Falls could see annual revenue streams of $1.8 million if it implements the maximum charge. That decision could come in the next couple months.

Luce said he’s concerned about keeping the cost of travel down and being able to attract new airlines to Sioux Falls.

“It’s still an increase, it’s contrary to your mission,” he said.

Airlines are generally opposed to the charges. The passenger fee could help the airport avoid upping other fees for the airlines, Airport Executive Director Dan Letellier said.

As for passengers, they can see their money being put to work, said Tom Schauer, an aviation planning manger KLJ Engineers who gave a report to the board Thursday. Passengers would see enhancements being made on a regular basis. And it’s a user fee, he pointed out.

“If you’re not using the airport, you’re not paying for it,” Schauer said.

Another construction project at the airport will get underway Monday. Work will begin to clear the site for a hotel north of the terminal. The four-floor, 74-room hotel is set to open in early 2015.

Passenger mark

March beat out last July for the record number of passengers at Sioux Falls Regional Airport.

44,686:

number of passengers in March

5%:

Increase over the same month last year.

30%:

Airport traffic in March in Sioux Falls from Allegiant flights, much of which was the result of ramping up the number of flights to Phoenix.

QUOTE:

“A lot of people heading out of town. Certainly, the weather had something to do with that.”

— Dan Letellier, airport

executive director.