Feds award $8M grant to Milwaukee airport concourse redevelopment

The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport redevelopment of Concourse E has received an $8 million shot in the arm.

Since last year, the project to build a new international concourse has received a total of $21.5 million in federal support, including a $13 million federal grand announced last year. The remainder of the $95 million project comes from airport revenue and bonding, airport officials said. In September 2025, Findorff started construction in partnership with the airport and Milwaukee County.

The funding is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminals Program, county officials said.

The new concourse will replace the existing International Arrivals Terminal, which is a separate building from the main terminal. It closed in 2016.

Airport officials said the new concourse will enhance the passenger experience and create opportunities for additional domestic and international airline services.

“Securing this grant is an important step forward for the Concourse E project and for the future of MKE,” said Brian Dranzik, the airport director, in a statement. “This investment allows us to modernize our facilities, improve the passenger experience, and support the long-term growth of air service in Milwaukee. We’re grateful for the continued support that helps us strengthen our role as a gateway for our community and our region.”

Funding was secured through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with help from U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, according to Milwaukee County.

The project is expected to be completed in late 2027.