Conrac Solutions, owned by infrastructure asset manager Meridiam, has been named as the public-private partner for a ground transportation center (GTC) at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in the north of Nevada in the United States.

According to the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA)—which also operates Reno-Stead Airport (RTS)—the project has been officially green-lighted and the Conrac Solutions deal is described as “a significant milestone” towards enhancing the gateway’s travel experience. It forms part of the wider MoreRNO Infrastructure Program.

RTAA was keen to underline its financial self-sufficiency through revenue from airport operations and not state or local taxes. In a statement, Daren Griffin, President and CEO of the authority, said: “We’re proud of this unprecedented PPP with Conrac Solutions. This collaboration is a significant $299 million private sector investment, marking a historic moment for our region.”

There have been continuing parking issues for travelers at RNO and the GTC project aims to alleviate them. Facilities for rental cars will be relocated from the parking garage to the new center, a move that is expected to free up hundreds of spaces. Passengers should therefore have easier access to parking which, in turn, will reduce overall traffic congestion on the airport’s roadways when the GTC is ready in 2028.

The ground transportation center will span four floors and occupy a ground lease of approximately 440,220 square feet. It will initially accommodate around nine car rental brands and have covered pedestrian access a short distance from the terminal. There will be a quick-turnaround area comprising six car washes, three maintenance bays, 24 fuel positions, and vehicle storage.

Lasting Regional Impact

Griffin noted: “I want to emphasize the lasting impact that this important infrastructure will have, not only on our tenant and passenger experience but on the region as a whole. Rental cars are essential to northern Nevada and critical for our travelers to explore our region.

“By modernizing our current ground transportation and rental car operations and facilities, we are not only enhancing efficiency and convenience but also contributing to the economic growth and vitality of our community. It’s an essential infrastructure. Additionally, its proximity, just a short walk from the airport, maintains convenience and ease for travelers.”

In 2023, RNO served approximately 4.6 million passengers on 12 airlines flying to more than 20 non-stop destinations—or globally with one stop. The airport’s top five non-stop connections were, in order, Las Vegas (LAS); Denver (DEN), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).

Conrac Solutions has delivered several ground transportation facilities across the United States. CEO Michael Minerva commented: “We’re delighted to have been selected to develop, finance, and operate the rental car facility, and to deliver it at no cost to local taxpayers.”

The Reno-Tahoe GTC will be built through a joint venture partnership involving Q&D Construction, based in Reno, and Webcor Construction, headquartered in San Francisco, along with a consortium of local subcontractors.

Conrac Solutions operates across 12 states at 16 airports in Anchorage, AK; Austin, TX; Bismarck, ND; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Eugene, OR; Lubbock, TX; Newark, NJ; Orlando, FL; Portland, OR; Salt Lake City, UT; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; SeaTac, WA and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA.

The company boasts completed development projects at Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport, Austin-Bergstrom Airport, Bismarck Airport, Bradley International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.

Aside from the RNO project, slated for delivery by 2028, and company is also working on plans for similar rental facilities at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, and Fairbanks International Airport.