New Hanover Co. Airport Authority approves hiring consultant for terminal expansion plan

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Airport Authority unanimously approved hiring a consultant to help get a proposed $88 million expansion up and running.

Right now there’s a large gap in funds. A $52 million gap to be exact.

Authority board members say they can get $33 million in federal aid and will match another $3 million, but that won’t cut it. The proposed project will expand the terminal by 200,000 square feet, including two parking decks and more TSA security.

The board hopes the new consultant will help get things organized and take the right steps to get this project up and running as soon as possible.

The expansion plan has been discussed for a couple of years as the area and business at the airport continue to grow. Last year ILM saw a record number of travelers pass through the airport.