The Situation
Alexander Field–South Wood County Airport in Wisconsin Rapids is operating with a terminal built in the 1970s. This facility no longer meets the expectations of today’s travelers, airport staff, or aviation users. Over the past decade, the airport has experienced dramatic growth, driven in large part by the rise of nearby Sand Valley Golf Resort. Since the resort opened in 2017, jet traffic has increased by nearly 600%, and in 2024 alone, aircraft arrived from 31 states.
As visitor numbers and aircraft operations continue to climb, the aging terminal can no longer meet modern demands for capacity, circulation, efficiency, and amenities.
What’s the Fix and How Will It Benefit the Community?
The airport will undertake a full modernization and rehabilitation of its terminal building, transforming it into a more welcoming, efficient, and accessible gateway for the region. The project will reconstruct the existing terminal and is expected to deliver:
- Expanded capacity and improved efficiency, providing better circulation and more space for travelers and staff
- New pilot amenities, including a pilot lounge, flight‑planning facilities, and modern meeting rooms
- Enhanced accessibility, with upgraded restrooms, improved entrances, better vertical circulation, and clearer ADA‑compliant signage
- Updated infrastructure, offering more reliable building systems to support a smoother travel experience
- Energy‑efficient systems, featuring modern HVAC and energy‑saving lighting to reduce operating costs
- A modern terminal is the heart of the airport experience. A more attractive, functional facility will create a strong first and last impression for visitors, reflect the region’s hospitality, and support continued economic growth tied to tourism, business travel, and aviation activity.
What Makes This Investment Possible?
The project is supported by a $2.7 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Airport Terminals Program. This national program funds projects that enhance accessibility, sustainability, security, and the overall passenger experience at airports across the United States.
Additional state, local, and private funding is being pursued to close remaining gaps and ensure the terminal is built to meet long‑term regional needs.
What’s Next?
Planning and design work are already underway, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. Airport officials note that this project is part of a broader, ongoing effort to strengthen Alexander Field. This effort has already delivered more than $14 million in improvements since 2016, including the 2018 apron expansion and a new 13,200‑square‑foot transient hangar.
