An artist's rendering shows a revamped international arrivals facility as part of Fresno Yosemite International's FATforward project. Image via FAT

A $126.86 million contract for an expansion at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) was approved for takeoff Thursday.

The Fresno City Council voted to approve the contract with Nevada-based Q&D Construction for the terminal expansion at FAT to meet current and future travel demands of the region in a project dubbed “FATForward.”

The construction project will employ about 250 craft labor union workers from the Fresno area employed through a project labor agreement, according to a City of Fresno news release.

Local economic impact generated by the project is estimated at $85 million through support services and additional induced and indirect jobs.

$12M project revs airport’s FATforward expansion into high gear

“Today’s construction contract approved by the Fresno City Council for the terminal expansion gets us that much closer to breaking ground on this significant and historic expansion,” said FAT Director of Aviation Henry Thompson. “This expansion will enhance the airport experience while providing increased travel options for the region.” 

Highlights of the terminal expansion include:

— New Terminal Concourse B with two dual-use passenger bridges to facilitate domestic and international boarding, larger hold rooms and more areas for shopping and dining.

— Expanded Transportation Security Administration (TSA) passenger screening for enhanced passenger circulation and shorter wait times

— A new international arrivals facility will triple the current size to accommodate the growing volume of international passengers at FAT.

— A state-of-art airline baggage handling systems with added capacity for faster processing

The expansion is expected to be in operation by fall 2025.

Funding for the terminal expansion comes from a combination of infrastructure grants, Federal Aviation Administration grants, passenger facility charges, Measure C, CARES Act, the Transportation Security Administration and airport revenue bonds.