New York state is set to commence the $3.6bn construction project at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, which involves the construction of a new Central Terminal Building.
The new terminal will feature vast open spaces, restaurants, shopping plazas, amenities, new parking garages, free Wi-Fi and other support facilities.
It is expected to handle nearly 17.5 million passengers a year by 2030, reported the Associated Press. It currently accommodates about 12.5 million passengers a year, although its capacity is only eight million.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs the airport, has asked the New York state to take control of the project, and has already begun awarding contracts for preliminary work at LaGuardia.
While companies have been asked to submit proposals by 15 April, the construction of the new terminal is likely to commence by the end of the year.
Governor Andrew Cuomo is also planning to upgrade cargo operations at nearby John F. Kennedy International Airport.
In his annual State of the State address, Cuomo said: “We are going to redevelop those airports the way they should have been redeveloped many, many years ago.”
LaGuardia has often been ranked low in customer satisfaction surveys due to its low ceilings, narrow hallways, and poor food service. Its other terminals, which include the Art Deco-style Marine Air Terminal, will not be renovated as part of the project.