Charles M. Schulz — Sonoma County Airport hosts local leaders, officials for ‘Topping Off’ of modernized terminal building

County of Sonoma leaders and officials with the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport were joined by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, and other local elected officials today for a special ‘Topping Off’ ceremony to finalize the structural framework of the airport’s modernized terminal building. The traditional construction trade “Builder’s Rite” celebration marks the placement of a signed steel beam that is part of the final structure’s framing for the modernized airport terminal, part of an overall $40,000,000 expansion project.

“The Charles M. Schulz Airport is a gateway to our beautiful communities, and people from around the world travel here for our world-class food and wine,” said Rep. Thompson. “I was proud to help the Charles M. Schulz Airport receive $10 million in funding from the FAA Airport Improvement Project, and it is incredible to see the impact that this funding has made on this facility. I look forward to ensuring that the airport has the resources it needs to serve our community and welcome the world to Northern California.”

“This ceremony is the start of a new era of local air travel in Sonoma County,” said Rep. Huffman. “The completion of this new terminal will not only significantly improve user experience, but also encourage more local and sustainable travel. Congratulations to all our county and local partners who have ensured this project becomes a reality.”

“The airport continues to be an important economic driver for our region, and this modernized terminal will make air travel easier and more convenient to and from Sonoma County,” said District 4 Supervisor James Gore, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This is critical investment in resilient infrastructure as part of the county’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and supports ongoing efforts to modernize county facilities for an improved service experience for both residents and visitors.”  

Partner contractors engaged on the project include Q&D Construction, C&S Companies and Mead & Hunt. The modernized terminal building is expected to be completed and in operation by the end of calendar year 2022 and will more than double the existing space to improve passenger experience. Highlights include more than 27,000 square feet of additional space, renovated ticketing lobby, improved double lane security lanes, large main lobby with four additional boarding gates and dedicated concessionaires, an outdoor seating area, new baggage claim area equipped with two baggage carousels, improved public viewing areas and car rental areas, and local artwork by the airport’s namesake, Charles M. Schulz.

According to a recent economic impact analysis, the Capital Improvement Plan at Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport will support an average of 164 jobs annually, generate $100.9 million in total payroll, $31.2 million in tax revenue, and $231.7 million in economic output in Sonoma County. Across all North Bay Counties, the Capital Improvement Plan will support an average of 169 jobs annually, generate $104.1 million in total payroll, $32.3 million in tax revenue, and $240.9 million in economic output.

For more information about the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport, please visit https://sonomacountyairport.org/ or call (707) 565-7243.

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Media Contact:

Jon Stout, Sonoma County Airport Manager
jon.stout@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-7243

Dan Virkstis
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3040