Construction could begin this year on a new, approximately 4,300 square-foot Albert Lea Municipal Airport arrival and departure building.

Airport Manager Jim Hanson said a more definitive construction timeline will be formed once the state fiscal year begins in July and a bid is accepted for the project.

He said if construction begins this year, it likely won’t begin until late summer or early fall. He said the project could also begin in spring 2017.

Hanson said pre-bid work is being conducted at the airport. He hopes the work is completed by late March or early April, and said constructing a new building is cheaper than fixing the current one.

According to Hanson, the current arrival and departure building — built in 1972 — features a lack of bathroom space and lack of space for important business meetings.

“It’s served it’s purpose,” he said.

Hanson said a new building would correct the system issues the current building has and would bring it up to current airport standards.

“We’ve looked at this building and there is no way economically we can squeeze what we need to in this building,” he said.

Since 2005, airport improvements have included:

Runway length increasing to 5,000 feet from 4,500 feet

Updated approach lighting has been installed

Navigation and weather system has been relocated

The project is planned to be paid for through a combination of federal and state funds, and taxes won’t rise with the project, Hanson said.

The Albert Lea City Council approved a state agreement and resolution for the airport environmental assessment of the $1.5 million arrival and departure building and associated site development in September.

The council approved a resolution amending a professional services agreement with engineering and architectural firm Mead & Hunt for the environmental assessment in August.

The current building is planned for demolition if the proposed new building is built.