...carriers, which were an integral part of the master-plan process. “They see the value of investing in programs that will improve efficiency and help the airport remain competitive for the next 30 to 35 years,” Solis says. Currently in the programming and schematic design phase, TDP is expected to cost as much as $2 billion, with funding to come from bond sales, available capital and other sources. One-third of each terminal will be closed at a time, facilitating 24/7 construction zones.

Solis expects TDP will likely follow the trend toward construction manager-at-risk (CMR) project delivery, an approach used for the airport’s most recent capital program, which included the International Terminal D. “Along with the complexities of dealing with hundreds of contracts, design-bid-build would also require renegotiation of our professional services contracts, which currently cover only A-E services,” Solis explains. “CMR is also a better way to minimize our risk and achieve our goals for participation by minority- and woman-owned businesses.”

Many of the nation’s smaller airports also are readying major construction programs to capitalize on their unique circumstances. Dallas’ Love Field Airport and its main tenant, Southwest Airlines, are partnering on a $574-million program that will replace the existing concourse with a new facility containing up to 20 gates, refurbish the main terminal lobby and improve airfield surfaces, fueling facilities and roads. The airport also plans to apply PFCs and FAA grants toward a $150-million airfield improvement package. A proposed $250-million people- mover system also is under consideration by the city council.

More than half the funding for the concourse and terminal work will come from bonds sold through Southwest. But due to lingering financial market uncertainties, the bond sale has been pushed back to spring 2010. “We don’t want to start construction until we are sure the financing is set,” says Diego Rincon, assistant director for the Dallas Dept. of Aviation.

Having outgrown its almost 20-year-old passenger facilities, Orange County, Calif.’s John Wayne Airport has launched a $543-million program that includes a new six-gate terminal, upgrades to two existing terminals, a 2,000-space parking structure, a cogeneration plant and improvements to taxiways and overnight aircraft-parking facilities.

Airport Director Alan Murphy explains that officials had no qualms about launching such an effort despite the...