Signal Tribune Newspaper

The Long Beach Airport is undergoing a long-awaited modernization plan, which is being funded by Build America Bonds, a general airport revenue bond, and passenger facility charges.

By Steven Piper
Editorial Intern

Allegiant Air’s recent arrival at Long Beach Airport (LGB) is not the only development on the historic landmark’s radar. Without sacrificing the classic, Art Deco-style terminal, the airport is continuing to move forward with its long-awaited modernization plan, which includes: restoration of the existing terminal; a new passenger concourse; a 2,236-space parking garage; and air-carrier ramp improvements.
Currently, the parking structure is the only project in progress, and it has added 450 jobs to the market– the groundbreaking for the new passenger concourse is set for this December.
In the past, 50 percent of LGB’s vehicle parking has been on leased land that is offsite, which made for a long walk or a shuttle ride for busy travelers. Sharon Diggs-Jackson, Airport Public Affairs officer, said “it (the offsite parking) wasn’t an expenditure, per se, because the revenue offset the original cost.” Adding the multi-level structure will bring all airport parking onsite and in close proximity to the terminal.

Artist’s rendering of the proposed passenger-holding area.

Budgeted at $56 million, the building is funded by Build America Bonds (which were created as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act), a general airport revenue bond, and passenger facility charges.
“There are pylons up, and the modifications to the roadway that allow for the exits [from] the garage are already completed,” Diggs-Jackson said. “Yeah, they are pouring concrete.”
Other roadway modifications will include the addition of a traffic loop that starts and ends on Lakewood Boulevard, just north of the Long Beach Fire Department headquarters. The existing Barbara London Drive loop will remain open throughout the construction period, which is expected to conclude this fall.
Modernization of the current terminal, on the other hand, is set to finish by fall 2013, and it has added 80 jobs to the economy. The changes will consist of a new historic exhibit, upgraded infrastructure and lighting, upgraded signage, fresh interior and exterior paint, new interior furnishings, and a greater area of Wi-Fi coverage.
“The proposed terminal project has already been reviewed and approved by the historical commission as well as the planning commission,” Diggs-Jackson said. “It was also reviewed by City Council. The next steps involve City Council approving the financing plan and awarding the actual contract.”
With an estimated price tag of $45 million, the new concourse and boarding lounge final design approval is scheduled for this fall. Construction is expected to be finished sometime in 2013, and the project will also be funded through passenger facility charges and general airport revenue bond funds.
“The design has already been submitted to [City] Council,” Diggs-Jackson said. “We will be going back to Council for the financing plans. There are multiple forms of payment, and we still need the actual awarding of the contract.”
According to press information on the airport’s website, the 35,000-foot space will replace the portable classroom waiting areas that are currently in use. As a result of ensuing construction, passenger-waiting areas will be rearranged and travelers are encouraged to regularly check the airport’s website for construction updates.

More Information
longbeach.gov/airport/construction.asp