BANGOR – The city’s airport has received a $2.7 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to upgrade its terminal building and aviation equipment.

Bangor International Airport has an estimated $2.9 million construction project pegged to begin in June and wrap up by December. The project will add a second story to the Gate 1 area, making the airport two levels, said BIA director Rebecca Hupp. The plans also call for restrooms beyond security checkpoints, the lack of which has been a complaint of passengers for years, said City Manager Ed Barrett.

“This [grant] will significantly improve the amenities to passengers beyond the security screening checkpoints and improve our flexibility and utilization of existing space,” Hupp said Tuesday.

In addition to helping BIA expand its terminal, the grant will help upgrade the fire alarm and public address systems, Hupp said. Terminal seating and furnishings also are to be replaced.

The FAA grant will fund 95 percent of the $2.9 million project, while 2.5 percent will be paid by the state Department of Transportation and 2.5 percent from airport revenues.

The airport will not use Gate 1 during construction in the summer months, and passengers will use security at Gates 2 and 3. Using Gate 3, which usually is reserved for international flights, for domestic travel will not interfere with troop flights or other international flights carrying passengers, Hupp said.

Some of the airport concessionaires may have to relocate during the construction, but Hupp said the airport is working hard to avoid that situation.

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