The first phase of the TREX Program is the Concourse C Expansion Project. The 144,000 square foot, $150 million expansion will add three new gates to the west side of the Airport’s C Concourse. On the east side of the concourse the current ground boarding gates will be replaced with three passenger loading bridges and the existing upper C Concourse gates will be upgraded. The concourse’s ticket counter area will also be extended to provide six additional counter locations for airlines. And new exit lane technology will be installed, improving security.

In addition, the project, which will be LEED certified, will replace or upgrade aging infrastructure, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing; lighting; gatehold technology; baggage handling systems; restrooms; glazing/curtain wall systems; escalators and elevators.

The project will also expand accessibility for persons with disabilities with in-floor hearing loops at gates, multi-use information displays with emergency connections, ambulatory stalls in restrooms, companion care rooms with showers and changing stations, nursing mother spaces and improved service animal relief areas.

The C Concourse Expansion Project will be funded through a variety of sources, including an $11,000,000 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Terminals Program grant awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration in July 2022. Bonds, CARES federal funds, and Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) funds will also be utilized to pay for the project. No local tax dollars will be used. It is expected to be complete in 2025.

Promotes Economic Development

• According to the Associated General Contractors Construction Multiplier, the Concourse C Expansion Project will
  • Create 1,164 jobs
  • Bring $87,000,000 of additional household revenue spread throughout the Spokane region (total households, not just construction)
  • Generate $313,500,000 of economic activity in Washington state
• Offers greater connectivity for businesses
  • Allows employees to live in Spokane and travel to other places for work
  • Provides convenient nonstop and one-stop connections bringing companies and clients to Spokane
• Enhances mobility and accessibility to farmers, migrant workers, multiple Tribal governments and Alaskan natives living and working in the region, which contains 41 historically disadvantaged populations (HDP) census tracts
  • Allows for partnerships with local workforce and labor industries
  • Provides access to employment centers

Enhances and Encourages Competitive Air Service

• Additional gate capacity helps current airline partners to expand service to new markets
• More gates also allows new entrants to the Spokane market, including ultra low-cost carriers (ULCC) and international carriers. ULCC’s have provided a 14% reduction in fares and increased accessibility for HDP
• Easier to facilitate operation of charter flights

Environmental and Energy Efficient Improvements

• Project is LEED certified with new mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure meeting energy efficiency, sustainability and environmental goals
• Restrooms, lighting, escalator and elevator replacement/upgrades will meet both LEED and stringent state energy code requirements
• Improved public health will be realized by providing more physical space for passengers and airport employees
• HVAC systems and finishes that achieve COVID-19 prevention measures
• Installing connections for potential future rooftop-mounted solar panels

Upgraded passenger experience

• Will offer a higher and more modern level of service to passengers
• Improved food/beverage options as well as customer amenities

Subject to future funding, the Concourse C Expansion Project would only be the first phase of the TREX Program. The next phase of TREX will see the construction of a Central Hall facility. The Central Hall will have a centralized TSA security screening checkpoint for all airlines with a post-security hallway connecting the A/B and C Concourses. It will also have a consolidated baggage claim, as well as a new, state-of-the-art Operations Center.

Future phases will also include a new, improved and more efficient A & B Concourse and relocation of the Airport’s rental car facility.