Work began Friday on phase one of the two phase project that will more than triple the size of the terminal at Manhattan Regional Airport.
A groundbreaking was held Friday morning for the project which is estimated 
to cost $15.8 million. The expansion will not only be beneficial for the airport but the region as well.
Col. Andrew Cole, Fort Riley Garrison Commander, explained that the expansion project and the cooperation between the airport and Fort Riley demonstrates two things,”One, a commitment to our soldiers individual travel needs, and two, recognition that a far reaching and comprehensive transportation network is crucial to your military’s ability to be brave, responsible and on point for our nation when called upon.”
Cole went on to say that the expansion will also help them,”respond in case of national emergencies with a greater efficiency and speed.”
At Kansas State University the airport in one way is used as a recruitment tool according to Jackie Hartman, Chief of Staff and Director of Community Relations for the university,”It’s easier to recruit students when you can tell their family members from a far, you can get on a plan and fly directly into Manhattan.”
Hartman also explained that the university engages with partners all over the world and by having the airport it makes a difference in how they conduct their research and serve others.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran attended the ground breaking ceremony and said 
that he wanted to take the opportunity to, “congratulate the community on concluding the value of air transportation and what role the Manhattan Regional Airport could play in the state of Kansas, now the second busiest airport in the state and now the fastest growing airport within the state.”
Moran recently moved to Manhattan and said that the airport and the possibilities it presents to his family and others is one of the reason’s he and his wife made the move.
Peter Van Kuren, Airport Director explained that phase one of the project will consist of creating a temporary space for ticketing for the airlines as well as a T.S.A. baggage screening area and the T.S.A. security checkpoint in order to keep the airport fully functional during construction.
Work will then begin on expanding the east half of the terminal by adding 22,000 square feet,”It’s going to take the facility from it’s current crowded state to a much broader area, a lot more comfortable and a lot more convenient for the passengers,” Van Kuren said.
Phase one is expected to be completed by August of 2014. It will cost $9.8 million with $7.8 million of that being funded through Federal Aviation Administration grants and the remainder $2 million funded through the city of Manhattan.
Van Kuren expects funding for phase two to be approved by the time phase one is finishing up. The entire project is scheduled to be finished by the summer of 2015.