U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy recently announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is considering revitalizing Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
The airport has outdated facilities. The department holds IAD’s property title while the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has the authority to acquire, maintain, improve, operate, protect, and promote Metropolitan Washington D.C.’s airports for public purposes. MWAA has plans to update the airport, but USDOT finds the improvements insufficient and supports the development of a new airport to replace or build on the existing facility.
“Tourists, world leaders, and CEOs from around the world should not be forced to travel through an inefficient airport when they visit D.C.,” Duffy said. “IAD needs a complete refresh to assume its proper role as the premier international gateway into the capital of the greatest country in the world.”
USDOT has submitted a request for proposals from developers, architects and engineers to design, finance and construct a new terminal and concourses. The structures either would replace or build on the existing terminal and concourses.
The department will share proposals with MWAA and the agencies will make a selection.
The request for proposals is consistent with an executive order signed in August that updates policies guiding federal architecture.