U.S. Customs and Terminal Building Groundbreaking
The U.S. Customs and Terminal Building construction is underway at the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport. Zeise Construction from Green Bay was the successful low bidder for the $5 million project. Work will continue through the winter with completion set for July 2020. The facility will be fully functional in advance of the much-anticipated Ryder Cup in September.
The Ryder Cup golf tournament, being held at Whistling Straights, will draw a large international crowd. The new Customs facility will allow private aircraft to fly directly to Sheboygan from overseas without having to first stop and clear at a different airport.
The facility’s primary use outside of major events will be for based tenants and transient aircraft. Kohler Company, one of the airport’s largest tenants, expressed the need for an international terminal a number of years ago. They operate their aircraft in over 40 countries and are currently required to clear U.S. Customs at a different airport before returning home. Sheboygan County, Kohler Co., and the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics have partnered on this project. Future user fees and fuel sales will sustain the Customs operation.
“Adding a customs facility to our airport is a significant investment in our community and will further support and enhance our local economy,” said County Administrator Adam Payne. “Local companies and private aircraft will be able to utilize this service and make international business and travel more cost-effective and convenient.”
Sheboygan County is also becoming one of the hottest tourism destinations in the State. “We have world-class golf courses, resorts, Road America, and one of the most beautiful harbors on Lake Michigan,” said County Board Chairman Tom Wegner. “Our Sheboygan County Memorial Airport, and transportation system as a whole, is one of the keys to our success,” Wegner said.
The Sheboygan County Memorial Airport is one of the largest general aviation airports in the state with approximately 40,000 annual aircraft operations. The airport has a $26 million economic impact on the local community. The Customs facility is expected to attract more business and tourists to the area, solidifying Sheboygan County as an international destination.
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For more information, please call County Administrator Adam Payne at 920-459-3103, Transportation Director Greg Schnell at 920-459-3825 or Airport Superintendent Matt Grenoble at 920-467-2978.
