The terminal expansion project at Manhattan Regional Airport has been underway now for quite some time, and a substantial completion date for phase one of the project is now expected in early February.

The $15.8 million project was delayed early in the project due to inclement weather, but Peter Van Kuren, Airport Director explained that the recent weather with above average temperatures has allowed crews to do some catch up work.

“Now that we have these warmer days it’s really helping us to get things completed on the outside,” said Van Kuren.

On the inside crews are still finishing up tile work in the main holding area along with the bathrooms. Other finish work taking place includes the installation of a baggage handling system at the airline ticket counter.

Once phase one is complete crews will begin work on phase two which includes additional hold room space, a meet and greet area with food and beverage section, a gift shop and car rental concessions.

Van Kuren added that they will be holding an open house sometime in late February for the public to come out and tour the completed Phase One portion of the project.

“So they get a really good idea of what the building will look like, some behind the scene areas where they typically wouldn’t be allowed to go during operations.”

Information on the open house will be released at a later date but it is expected to occur towards the end of February.