Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has begun construction on a cutting-edge air cargo facility, a project that will redevelop part of the former 440th Airlift Wing campus. The $75 million project, designed in partnership with Crow Holdings, is done under a public-private partnership in which a majority of its financing comes from private sources.
The 440th Airlift Wing campus, now the MKE Regional Business Park, was transferred to the airport in 2008 when its operations were relocated to Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. While some of the structures have been repurposed for use by the airport or leased to short-term tenants, this new development is a major improvement on the property.
The new 337,000-square-foot facility will have a stand-alone air cargo building and improved taxiway access for wide-body cargo aircraft. It will be capable of handling as many as five Boeing 747-400 jets, or equivalent simultaneously when complete. The new cargo facility project will generate more than $1.3 million in annual landing fees and more than $1 million in ground lease rents and fees. A new Milwaukee County Highway Maintenance Facility will also be part of the property.
The new MKE cargo facility to spur economic growth
Government leaders anticipate the project will spur economic growth in nearby communities, generate employment, and even cause more passenger and freight flights at the airport. In making flight costs lower at Mitchell, the airport intends to compete with airports in Illinois, which routinely experience congestion, delays, and higher prices.
“This is a generation investment for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport,” Airport Director Brian Dranzik said. “This partnership is a win for the airport, Milwaukee County, and Wisconsin manufacturers. When finished, businesses will have a more efficient way of shipping raw materials and finished goods in and out of the state.”
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley also caught the enthusiasm, citing the project’s economic dividends. “Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is one of Wisconsin’s top economic generators, and this project will put many people to work while highly benefiting our community,” Crowley stated. “What’s most impressive is that the project is being accomplished at no expense to the airport or taxpayers of Milwaukee County.”
The new facility is expected to be completed next year.
Read also: CRAA Greenlights Additional $350M for John Glenn Airport’s $2B New Terminal Project
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport Cargo Facility Project Factsheet
Project overview
Location: Former 440th Airlift Wing campus (now MKE Regional Business Park)
Investment: $75 million
Funding Structure: Public-private partnership with Crow Holdings (majority privately funded)
Timeline: Construction underway, completion expected next year
Facility specifications
337,000-square-foot air cargo facility
Dedicated cargo building with improved taxiway access
Capacity to handle five Boeing 747-400 or equivalent aircraft simultaneously
Will include new Milwaukee County Highway Maintenance Facility
MKE Airport New Cargo Facility: Economic impact
Projected $1.3+ million in annual landing fees
Additional $1+ million in ground lease rents and fees
Job creation throughout the region
Enhanced competitiveness against congested Illinois airports
Lower operational costs for Mitchell Airport
Strategic benefits
No cost to Milwaukee County taxpayers
Potential to attract more passenger and cargo flights
Economic growth stimulus for surrounding communities
Read also: DFW Airport begins Terminal C Renovation, Ushering in, “Dawn of a New Era”
