« Back to Terminal Expansion Headlines


December 4, 2001
For Release Upon Receipt

SUNDT CONSTRUCTION NAMED CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK
At their monthly meeting today the Tucson Airport Authority board of directors approved Sundt Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk, CMAR, for the next phase of the $66 million terminal expansion at Tucson International Airport, subject to satisfactory negotiation of a contract.

The Weitz Company and McCarthy Building Company were named second and third choices in the event negotiations with Sundt Construction prove unsuccessful.

The CMAR is a construction delivery method that enables TAA to select a contractor based upon qualifications rather than a traditional low bid process. The CMAR method of construction allows the hiring of a general contractor prior to beginning construction to act as a consultant, otherwise known as "construction manager." This delivery method was made available for use by TAA due to a change in language by the Arizona Legislature in 2000.

"Early next year we expect to complete the current phase of our Terminal Expansion Project with the opening of the rental car building and 2,100 rental car parking garage," explained Suzanne McLean, Vice President of Planning & Development. "We will also wrap up construction of the new upper roadway in front of the terminal. That clears the way for the next step - adding appx. 80,000 sq. ft. to ticketing and baggage claim."

"Our final completion date is set for the end of 2004," continued Ms. McLean. "Concurrent with the work in front of the building we'll be making modifications to the concourses, adding restrooms, outdoor observation decks, and expanding gift and departure lounge space. That work will finish in late 2003."

The terminal and roadway construction is being financed through Passenger Facility Charges, PFCs, a $3 fee imposed by airports on departing passengers. TAA reserve funds will fund the construction of the $20 million rental car facility/parking garage. This loan will be repaid by the rental car companies.