February 28, 2025

County Executive Crowley Celebrates Groundbreaking of New State-of-the-Art Cargo Facility at Mitchell International Airport 

MILWAUKEE – On Thursday, February 27, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley joined local leaders at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art air cargo facility, made possible through a public-private partnership with Crow Holdings. This major development will bring significant benefits to Milwaukee County, including job creation, economic growth, and zero cost to local taxpayers. 

The new facility is set to enhance cargo operations, providing a more efficient alternative for businesses looking to avoid the congestion, delays, and higher costs associated with Illinois airports. The project will transform a portion of the former 440th Airlift Wing, now known as the MKE Regional Business Park, into a 337,000-square-foot cargo facility. The facility will feature a dedicated air cargo building, a new Milwaukee County Highway Maintenance Facility to support County and State transportation needs, and enhanced taxiways for wider cargo aircraft access. 

The facility will have the capacity to accommodate up to five B747-400 aircraft simultaneously and is expected to generate over $1.3 million in annual aircraft landing fees, as well as more than $1 million in annual ground lease rents and fees. 

“We all know that Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is one of the largest drivers of economic activity in Wisconsin, and this investment will lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs and have a major economic impact in our community,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Kudos to the entire Airport team for pulling this project together and doing so – remarkably – at no cost to the Airport or Milwaukee County taxpayers.” 

Since the 440th campus was turned over to the Airport in 2008, it has been underutilized. Today’s groundbreaking marks a significant step forward, transforming this property into a vital asset for Wisconsin businesses and consumers. The new cargo facility will help streamline logistics for major manufacturers in the state, enhance the region's competitiveness, and support job growth at the airport and in surrounding neighborhoods. 

“This project represents a generational investment for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport,” said Airport Director Brian Dranzik. “This public-private partnership is a win-win-win for the Airport, Milwaukee County, and manufacturers across Wisconsin. When this project is complete, builders and suppliers will be able to transport their raw materials and finished products in and out of Wisconsin more quickly and efficiently.” 

The development also has the potential to attract new passenger airlines, destinations, and air cargo services, lowering operating costs for airlines at MKE and increasing Milwaukee’s global connectivity. 

“After close to three years of intensive efforts, and over $2 Million in diligence dollars spent, we are thrilled to reach this milestone with the Airport and the County. This project is a true testament of what can be achieved when public and private forces align,” said Jack Rabenn, Vice President at Crow Holdings. “We believe that this project will not only be an economic catalyst for Milwaukee, but also for the entire southeastern Wisconsin region and greater Midwest as a new port of entry into the United States. We are excited to formally kick this project off.” 

The facility is projected to be completed in 2026. 

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