COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding nearly $1 billion from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to nearly 100 airports of all sizes across the country and the Colorado Springs Airport (COS) announced it will be among the recipients. COS will receive $6 million of grant funds for the Airport’s upcoming Concourse Modernization project.
The grant was awarded through a competitive process known as an Aging Terminal Project (ATP) grant, which are intended for terminals to make improvements for increased terminal capacity, replace aging and obsolete infrastructure and provide further accessibility. The Airport’s Concourse Modernization project will be a complete remodel of the terminal concourse to include hold rooms, restrooms, ceilings, windows, elevators, flooring, the PA system, and more. The modernization will increase terminal sustainability and improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
“The existing terminal opened in 1994 and has served our travelers well through the years, but it’s time and we’re excited for these upgrades,” said Greg Phillips, Director of Aviation for COS. “We want to continue to improve our travelers’ experience and ensure their time at COS is stress-free, comfortable, and supports their travel needs.”
The improvements of the concourse will not only increase passenger capacity, but also easily accommodate elevated traffic levels. In addition to refining traffic flow, the project will provide travelers with disabilities a more equitable airport experience with planned ADA upgrades.
“We want every passenger to experience the ease and convenience of COS, and with the ADA improvements in this project everyone can,” said Deanna Stoddard, Airport Design and Construction Manager for COS. “More accessible restrooms, additional signage, and a PA system to include hearing loop technology are only a few of the ways we’re making our airport more accessible to all members of our community.”
Components of the project are intended to improve energy efficiency as well. Implementation of LEDs and water reduction methods in the bathrooms are just some of the ways COS will the advance the building’s sustainability. Similar upgrades were made in 2020 for the Airport’s pre-security areas that included baggage claim, tickets counters and rental cars.
Construction on the concourse is slated to begin this summer.
Colorado Springs Airport’s small size means small commutes, small lines, and small waits. It means friendliness, safety, and comfort. It also means big options on daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connections worldwide. Colorado’s small airport was named one of the Best Workplaces for 2021 and 2022 by the Gazette. For more information visit FlyCOS.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram.