Ben Somner, project lead for the Boise Airport's terminal program, presented 15% design drawings for Concourse A and a suite of terminal improvements, saying the team is prioritizing operational reliability and phasing to limit impacts on current operations. "Right now, we've received the first level of drawings to review," Somner said, noting the team is processing about 500 pages of documents and balancing construction while keeping the airport operational.

The design work includes a replacement for the airport's end-of-life baggage-handling system, a possible central utility plant to provide chilled water and additional electrical capacity, mass-timber elements in the hold rooms, and outdoor terraces on the concourse. Somner said the airport will design up to 10 gates but is considering phased opening: "open the southern seven gates" first and add north gates and associated apron work later to manage cost and apron construction impacts.

On the baggage system, Somner told commissioners the team reviewed newer tub/RFID-based systems used at some larger airports but concluded a traditional baggage handling system is the better fit for Boise. "It was going to end up taking up more space," he said of the RFID tub systems, and noted the footprint would have affected Gate B14 and airline operations. The airport has engaged an airline technical representative to validate forecasts and airline needs as design proceeds.

Somner described other design priorities: wider concourse geometry (about 20'25 feet wider than Concourse B), increased daylight through clerestories and curtain walls, accessible elevator placement adjacent to the rotunda, improved queuing depth for security, and additional restrooms. He also said the team is exploring options to comply with the City of Boise's green code or pursue equivalent LEED alternatives.

Schedule and budget trade-offs were emphasized. Somner said the design phase will take about 21 months, permitting is targeted for July 2027, bidding in 2027, construction start in 2028 and an approximate 2.5-year construction duration, bringing a projected opening to August 2030. "There typically is [a way to shorten it], it's a matter of how much we want to pay," he said when commissioners asked about accelerating the schedule.

Somner closed by noting the next steps: completing 50% schematic drawings, briefing airlines, and developing target-budget packages to guide design and procurement.

The presentation drew commissioner questions on passenger connections, seating amenities, and carrying mass-timber aesthetics into Concourse B. Somner and commissioners said staff will continue stakeholder outreach, including meetings with the mayor and airline partners.