Rochester Int'l Airport begins new terminal studies - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

ROCHESTER, Minn. (FOX 47) -- A public workshop and meeting was hosted for the future plans at Rochester International Airport.

RST is in the process of conducting an environmental assessment, which is required because the FAA has requested the airport look at a replacement passenger terminal for the 62-year-old structure.

In recent years, air traffic on RST's runways have plateaued. But plans for a new terminal are taking off.

"Anytime the federal government spends their resources they, not only encourage, but they are fairly insistent that the public have an opportunity to partake in the process," said Design Engineer Les Conway.

And that is what happened at a public workshop in Rochester where locals raised questions about need and cost.

"Terminal is anywhere from $30-40 million and a portion of that could be discretionary funding from the FAA," said Conway.

The 62-year-old structure has been renovated as much as possible.

"There comes a time when you can only do so much," explained Airport Director Steven Leqve.

There are four separate plans for a terminal upgrade and all would keep in mind future possibilities.

"We could also build in this facility the ability to handle full-blown customs," said Leqve.  "In other words, to clear a charter aircraft that maybe would go to Mexico cities or the Caribbean, or what have you, that we are unable to accommodate today."

There are still four months to go before anything gets finalized.

Conway explained a new terminal is not inevitable. These meetings are just to figure out if it's feasible.

The next public workshop is September 24.