$80M cargo hub development at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport will be completed by fall 2026, officials say

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport will soon be home to a new multi-million-dollar cargo hub which could help strengthen the supply chains in Wisconsin's economy.

Now, some officials are calling it one of the airport's "Most significant development projects in decades."

The $80 million development is 330,000 square feet and features a dedicated air cargo building that reshaped an underutilized section of airport property, thanks to a public-private partnership with Crow Holdings.

"This project is catalytic. It's transformational," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. "I'm really excited about this transformative project to how it's not only going to boost Milwaukee County but boost the entire state of Wisconsin."

It's expected to bring in millions annually in aircraft landing fees and ground lease rental fees, which could mean lower costs for flyers.

"We project it to bring about 2.3, maybe 2.5 million dollars, that'll help lower the cost for operators like Southwest, United, some of our carriers based here," said Airport Director Brian Dranzik.

Plus, the new facility could also help reduce road congestion by shifting freight from ground to air transport, lowering the number of heavy vehicles on Wisconsin highways.

"Chicago is one of the largest gateway airports in the entire world right, so we're not going to replace them and if anything, we're a relief valve and specifically an option for a Wisconsin-based freight that is sending stuff around the globe," said Jack Rabenn, the vice president of Crow Holdings.

This will also provide more jobs which means more workforce growth.

"This facility, I'd say anywhere from 150 to 300 workers can work in this kind of facility, that's both office jobs and handling jobs on the air side," Rabenn added.

With hundreds of crewmembers working, the development is expected to finish by this fall, with officials projecting sometime in September or October.