Maryland’s state spending board on Wednesday approved two construction contracts totaling $41.5 million for projects at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $5.5 million contract that will add two lanes to a security checkpoint for concourses D and E to alleviate passenger volume, as the current checkpoint reaches capacity during peak periods.
The board also approved a $36 million contract to replace the airport’s more than 20-year-old outbound baggage systems for the international terminal. The project will also include the expansion of the Transportation Security Administration baggage screening facility and improvements to existing international baggage claim carousels.
“As travel continues to grow, we are working to ensure the best airport experience for our passengers while creating more opportunities for our airline partners,” said Ricky Smith, executive director and CEO of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, in a statement. “These projects are consistent with our commitment to providing a safe, efficient, and comfortable airport.”
BWI Marshall Airport accounts for $11.3 billion of economic impact, with the airport and its visitors supporting more than 107,000 jobs throughout Maryland and the region. The airport also provides about 300 nonstop departures each day to approximately 90 domestic and international destinations.
