Fresno-Yosemite International Airport expansion underway

California Construction News staff writer

Fresno-Yosemite International Airport officials broke ground on a terminal expansion last week, a project that is expected to help the city attract commercial airlines and support continued growth.

Construction will include a new concourse wing, expanded passenger screening checkpoint, new Federal Inspection Station for international arrivals with an added waiting area for friends and family. The east apron reconfiguration work in progress will increase and expand concrete surfaces to provide aircraft circulation and parking positions necessary to accommodate larger aircraft to serve the new international/domestic gates.

Construction is expected to employ a craft labor workforce of 250 union workers from the Fresno area employed through a Project Labor Agreement (PLA). Local economic impact created by this substantial project will generate an estimated $85-million through support services and additional induced and indirect jobs. Work will be completed by fall 2025.

“Fresno Yosemite International Airport continues to perform as a viable global domestic and international transportation gateway and a resource for the growth of the region’s vibrant economy,” said City of Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “The Airport’s growth in 2022 was amongst the strongest in the United States and the 18th fastest growing airport amongst 78 other similar sized hubs.

“It is important that investments continue in our airport to accommodate growth and air service development opportunities supported by a modern and efficient airport that reflects civic pride in our community.”

With an expected cost of $147 million, the project will be funded through a combination of Federal Infrastructure Grants, including $7.1 million Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding, Federal Aviation Administration Grants, Passenger Facility Charges, Measure C, Transportation Security Administration Grant, and Airport Revenue Bonds.

A Progressive-Design-Build project delivery method allowed for a collaborative approach between the designer, builder, and Airport.  Q&D Construction and CSHQA (architect) functioned as one entity for delivery of the terminal expansion project.