MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (KBLV) expects to complete the first phase of its new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility by year-end. Construction began on the nearly $30 million project at the Belleville, Illinois gateway in the third quarter.

According to airport director Darren James, the general aviation portion of the 25,277-sq-ft facility will come online first, followed by the Federal Inspection Station for commercial passengers and cargo, a move that will allow the airport—which is co-located with Scott Air Force Base and has a 10,000-foot main runway—to receive international airline flights.

While St. Louis-area KBLV has an existing general aviation customs clearance facility, James told AIN that it is now out of compliance with CBP specifications. Since the new building is under construction, the airport is permitted to continue using the old facility until its replacement is ready for use. The work is funded by FAA grants, community and state money, passenger facility charges, and local matching.

“The project will expand service offerings and increase airline competition by facilitating new international entrants into the regional market,” James explained. “We have worked closely with CBP to ensure the facility is designed to meet existing requirements and anticipated needs.”