The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) board of commissioners has authorized JMAA to advance negotiations in a pre-development agreement with Jackson Forward development team (led by CAG Holdings, Yates Construction and Gensler) for the construction of a new passenger terminal at Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN).
The project will incorporate a design-build-finance delivery initiative, combining private sector investment and more traditional airport funding sources such as grants and passenger facility charges.
“Airports like JAN face a fundamental challenge: the need to modernize aging infrastructure while maintaining affordability for airlines and passengers, often with federal funding that cannot fully meet capital requirements,” said JMAA CEO Rosa M. Beckett. “This initiative represents an opportunity to pursue a different approach—one that leverages private-sector capabilities while preserving JMAA’s responsibility to protect the long-term interests of the airport and the community we serve.”
“The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority board of commissioners recognizes the significance of advancing the Terminal Enhancement Program at Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. This initiative represents an important step toward modernizing our airport infrastructure, strengthening the region’s economic competitiveness, and positioning JAN for long-term growth,” continued Beckett. “We are eager to show how Jackson will be a model for the nation for unleashing private capital development at small and medium-sized airports.”
“I’m delighted that we have advanced the prospect of a future airport terminal that reflects Jackson and the greater region,” added Warren Herring, chair of the JMAA board of commissioners. “Our priority is to pursue development that is financially responsible, operationally sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our passengers, airline partners, and the communities we serve.”
“This project represents an important opportunity to modernize the terminal, improve the passenger experience, and meet the airport’s future needs,” said Gerrard Bushell, chairman of CAG Holdings. “CAG Holdings has assembled a team bringing together Mississippi-based Yates Construction, a nationally renowned builder, and Gensler, a leading global architecture and design firm with extensive airport experience. We look forward to working with JMAA to explore how we can help advance its vision for the airport.”
“The evaluation team conducted a comprehensive, independent, and rigorous assessment of the proposal, applying established evaluation criteria to assess the development team’s qualifications, financial strength, technical expertise, and demonstrated ability to deliver a project of this magnitude,” said Reginald Thompson, vice president at Alliant Insurance Services and the evaluation committee spokesperson. “We are confident that the recommended team possesses the experience, resources, and capabilities necessary to advance this transformative initiative. Our recommendation to the JMAA Board of Commissioners reflects a thorough, objective evaluation process grounded in integrity, transparency, and sound professional judgment.”
