An 18,240-square-foot pre-engineered metal building will provide an expanded operations base for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement aerial facility.

The $3.4 million project at the Tri-Cities Airport Business Park off Argent Road provides nearly 9,000 square feet of hangar space to support a new research aircraft, 6,740 square feet of maintenance and science support space and 2,700 square feet of office space.

ARM is operated for DOE by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The Tri-Cities Airport has supported atmospheric research since the 1960s. DOE has purchased a Bombardier Challenger 850 to carry on its mission as an existing aircraft is phased out.

The ARM program serves the global science community, focusing on providing airborne measurements of cloud microphysical properties and radiative properties of the atmosphere, as well as aerosols and trace gases.

The information researchers collect is downloaded into the ARM Data Center allowing scientists worldwide to access the data for use in their research.

The hangar project was funded with a $2 million loan/grant from the state Community Economic Revitalization Board, $350,000 from Franklin County’s economic development fund, $500,000 from the Port of Pasco, and $550,000 from DOE for tenant-customized improvements.

DGR Grant of Richland was the general contractor.