Council to consider nearly $2B in airport expansion contracts through late September

This week, City Council is expected to consider four items related to the expansion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, with nearly $2 billion in spending up for approval by the end of September.

The four contracts on Thursday’s agenda total $190 million in potential spending, with the largest being up to $120 million for a contract for a construction manager in support of utility upgrades for the entire airport campus.

A recent memo from Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of the Aviation Department, detailed the nine spending requests headed toward the Council dais in the coming months.

“Thanks to your support, the AEDP has begun in earnest on several enabling projects – those projects that must be completed before larger core projects can follow – that are currently approved and underway. The core work, however, is just beginning and your continued support is more important than ever,” she wrote in part.

“In the weeks ahead, the Department will bring additional items forward, many of which build on the enabling actions already taken, but collectively represent the most consequential next steps” in the airport expansion and development program, she said.

In late August, three more approvals will arrive, including the expenditure of up to $320 million for the reconstruction of several midfield taxiways to make way for the airport’s coming second concourse. The memo notes that the scope and design of the midfield work has changed substantially based on guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is expected to provide substantial funding for the project.

Other items up for consideration in August include approving a rotation of architectural and engineering service providers to conduct ongoing work costing up to $60 million, as well as expanding the baggage handling system at a cost of $14.5 million.

In September, Council will decide on the contract for the $1.1 billion design and construction of the new midfield terminal and gate complex, which will include a 900-foot underground tunnel to connect with the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal. Badawi called the new addition “essential to support the growing passenger and airline demand at AUS. Without this critical addition, the airport will cease to effectively or safely meet the needs of travelers, the airlines, and the workforce that supports each.”

Later in September, Council will also vote on a $665 million contract to construct a new arrivals and departures hall to improve the experience for travelers via larger areas for ticketing, queuing and baggage claim.

The Airport Advisory Commission heard a presentation on some of the July and August items earlier this month, with staff noting that interviews and vetting are still taking place for some of the potential contracts.

Lyn Estabrook, deputy chief officer of planning and development for the airport, detailed the many pieces of the utilities and infrastructure that will be addressed once Council gives its OK.

“This airfield infrastructure project is considered an enabling project for the AEDP, also known as the airport expansion development program, to prepare the development of concourse B and preserve the airfield connectivity,” she said, noting it would include demolition of existing infrastructure and construction of new airfield, taxiway pavement, airfield-rated bridge structures, service roads and utilities, plus reconstruction of south campus drainage, security improvements and updates to the airfield lighting and signage program.

Regarding the midfield reconstruction, she said the change in scope was made in part to lessen the security requirements needed for contractors to be eligible to perform their duties. That reduced security clearance is expected to increase the pool of eligible firms, which will improve the timeline and budget from what was originally planned.

Estabrook said the FAA is already paying for 80 percent of the design for that project, with applications submitted to potentially receive up to $200 million in additional funding.

Photo made available through a Creative Commons license.

The Austin Monitor’s work is made possible by donations from the community. Though our reporting covers donors from time to time, we are careful to keep business and editorial efforts separate while maintaining transparency. A complete list of donors is available here, and our code of ethics is explained here.