New Airport Terminal Being Built in Hibbing

HIBBING, Minn. - Construction is underway at the Range Regional Airport for a $19 million project that will better accommodate passengers and give them a first class experience. “We're really excited about it. It's been a long time in the making," Hibbing Chamber of Commerce President Lory Fedo said. For the next year, the 30,000 passengers who fly in and out of Hibbing’s Range Regional Airport will wait for their flights in a former office space while crews just feet away are building a brand new terminal. "We're really excited. We're going to have a modern looking facility," Range Regional Airport Executive Director Shaun Germolus said. The old terminal, built back in the 1970s, delivered a cramped experience. After 9/11 events set off new security measures, the airport had to move in more screening equipment and personnel which were additions that took up space, leaving little room for passengers and their luggage."We really were constrained,” said Germolus. “It made for very inefficient operation for the airline and the TSA." After receiving $5 million in bonding, "It took that piece of the puzzle to put everything in motion,” said Germolus.Building the new waiting area is phase two of a $19 million face lift. The $11 million terminal will be about 20,000 square feet, provide more seating, modern conveniences and a dash of up north local flavor. "We'll probably be bringing back the large bear, the moose taxidermy that we have,” said Germolus. To add to that, construction has used a lot of local labor and materials and will create about 200 jobs. "Having an airport like this really makes a difference in our economy, our way of life just in our mindset about being part of Minnesota," said Fedo. This expansion is also expected to generate more opportunities."With the airport expansion we will have more businesses that will look at our community," said Fedo."We're poised in a good position for many years to come,” said Germolus. Construction is expected to wrap up by Dec. 2015. The aircraft parking ramp will also be replaced next year.