Builder selected by airport

Lydig Construction, of Spokane, was selected Tuesday as general contractor to complete the Spokane airport’s terminal and rotunda remodeling project.

Lydig was the lower of two bidders. Spokane airport officials approved Lydig’s contract bid of $8.12 million.

Work will begin on the remodeling and relocating of concessions and retail operations within weeks. Spokane Airport Executive Director Neal Sealock said the goal is to complete the project by the first week in November.

Most of the work will be in the main terminal, with modest remodeling to take place in the C Concourse.

Sealock said the project “will reclaim the public area and improve public flow” and enhance the airport’s retail and food concession services.

The project is the third major investment in the last six years aimed at improving passenger and user experiences at the airport. In 2000 the airport spent $18 million to upgrade the C Concourse.

Last year it also spent $1 million to improve the entry areas and ticket stations of the main concourse.

The airport’s portion of the total terminal remodeling cost comes from the airport passenger facility charge – a $4.50 fee added to the ticket of every passenger leaving or connecting in Spokane.

Also moving forward is the separately funded construction of a new airport control tower.

Sealock said tower construction ends this year. The new tower won’t begin operating until August 2007 as the Federal Aviation Administration certifies and tests the facility.