The first major construction project in 13 years at Bremerton National Airport got underway on July 9. The Port of Bremerton commissioners turned the ceremonial first shovel-full of dirt; marking the beginning of construction on a 23,000 sq. ft. building that will become a hub of commercial airport-related business when it is completed in early next year. Grandquist Construction of Port Orchard, which has constructed a number of facilities for the Port, will handle the project.

The Port’s fixed base operators, Avian Aeronautics and Avian Flight Center will occupy the lower level of the building. Them firms will offer aircraft engine repair and maintenance services, fueling, flight training, aircraft rentals, a pilot’s store, and corporate concierge, among other services. The upper level will be available for lease for other airport-related businesses.

Port Commissioners Cheryl Kincer, Mary Ann Huntington, and Bill Mahan were joined by Fred Salisbury, Director of Airport/Industrial Operations, Pat Heseltine and Virginia Nixon of Avian Aeronautics, and Richard Granquist, President of Granquist Construction at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Salisbury remarked, “This project marks the beginning of major changes to prepare Bremerton National Airport for future growth in general and corporate aviation.”.