Another step has been taken toward a modernized and expanded passenger terminal at the Yakima airport, as the Yakima City Council approved an agreement for design and engineering work on the project.
The city hired Portland-based MWA Architects to plan and design the three final phases of the airport renovation at a cost not to exceed $5.825 million. The work, approved unanimously by council members at their July 16 meeting, is covered by federal funding.
Airport Director Rob Hodgman said the goal remains to bring passenger gates and TSA screening to a newly-usable second floor of the redesigned terminal, which was built and first opened in the 1950s.
“Structurally, the facility is sound but is in need of expansion and modernization of its infrastructure, safety/security standards, building/energy codes upgrades and ability to accommodate current and future needs,” Hodgman told the council.
Bids for architectural services were sought in January and February, and four firms applied for the work, he said.
“MWA was selected primarily because they demonstrated a strong understanding of the complexities of modernizing a 75-year-old building, and they also demonstrated strong skills and strategy for phasing construction and aligning it with funding,” Hodgman added.
Planned terminal improvements
The first phase of renovations, which Hodgman said went out for construction bids earlier this month, will upgrade existing building systems such as the roof, electrical, water, sewer, fire suppression, telecommunications and HVAC.
Phase 1A work is covered by two $5 million congressional allocations provided in 2022 and 2023, with an additional $2 million allocated from the federal Airport Improvement Program and bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
An additional $40 million would be needed to complete the remaining phases, Hodgman has said. These would include:
• Renovation and expansion of the passenger terminal’s second floor.
• Additions to the east wing to expand passenger access, build a new baggage claim area and restore the second-floor restaurant.
• A new west wing to expand passenger access, baggage screening, air cargo capacity and house a new airport administration office.
Much of MWA’s bid focused on improvements and relocation of services to the passenger terminal’s second floor.
The company would design vertical transportation between the two floors; new restrooms; dining and retail space; a lobby between gates; and passenger boarding bridges, among other improvements.
Future plans would be developed for a ticketing area, rental car spaces, baggage systems, concessions, baggage screening and air cargo facilities.
These phases of improvements would expand the current 36,000 square foot terminal to between 46,000 and 52,000 square feet of usable space.
MWA’s bid for services did not include renovations of administrative office space, currently located in a separate building, or parking lot reconstruction.
Hertz rental car lease agreement approved
City Council members also unanimously approved a new lease agreement with the Hertz Rental Car company.
The agreement provides Hertz with counter space inside the passenger terminal; office and storage space in the building; 14 parking spaces in the rental car staging area immediately east of the terminal; and 15 spaces in the overflow parking area at 2406 W. Washington Ave.
This space is provided for $1,975 in monthly rent, with the city receiving additional fees of $5 per transaction and a monthly concession fee equaling 10% of gross receipts.
Request for Proposal specifications were sent to 38 companies, and Hertz was the only one that returned a bid, city documents state. It met the qualifications set by city officials, including ensuring that vehicles are available to pick up and drop off both during normal business hours and when flights depart and arrive early in the morning and late at night.
Hertz has previously been a rental car vendor at the airport, city officials noted, and since their RFP met the city’s requirements, the new lease agreement was recommended for City Council approval.
