Construction momentum is on a strong roll within the West Plains-Airport Area Public Development Authority district, which covers more than 9,000 acres encompassing the Spokane International Airport and surrounding land.

The authority, a body created by the city of Spokane, Spokane County, and the airport that goes by S3R3 Solutions, was established to attract jobs and economic development on the West Plains.

The airport was awarded an $11.3 million U.S. Department of Transportation Grant in November to fund second-phase construction of a long-envisioned transload facility, following construction in 2019 of Phase I, a $2.5 million, mile-long Geiger spur rail extension to Spokane International Airport property.

A transload facility allows for efficient transferring of freight between rail cars and trucks.

Todd Coleman, executive director of the PDA, says the airport is working on a request for proposals for a transload operator for the facility.

Tacoma-based KPFF Consulting Engineers, is designing the structure, which will be located near the northeast corner of Craig and Thorpe roads.

Airport spokesman Todd Woodard says a construction contract will be awarded in the third quarter. Some initial sitework and utility extensions could take place this year, and major construction likely will start next year.

Closer to the airport, construction is progressing on a $10 million, 109-unit Marriot Springhill Suites hotel at 900 W. Airport Drive, Coleman says.

Tharldson Hospitality, of Fargo, North Dakota, is the contractor on the four-story, 71,000-square-foot project, and Designcell Architecture, of Las Vegas, designed it.

North of the airport, Selkirk Pharma Inc., a Spokane-based injectable drug manufacturing and packaging company, has acquired an 8-acre site at 9110 W. Granite, roughly midway between U.S. 2 and Airport Drive.

The company is expected to begin construction this year on a $30 million, 63,000-square-foot facility.

Bernardo|Wills Architects PC, of Spokane, and Blaise Cacciola Architect LLC, of Bend, Oregon, are designing the facility. Coffman Engineers Inc., of Spokane, is providing engineering services.

South of the airport, Kenworth Sales Co. is expected to break ground this year on a $15 million, 60,000-square-foot showroom and maintenance facility at 9010 W. Geiger Blvd., where it plans to move from smaller quarters in Spokane Valley.

NBW Architects PA, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, is designing the project.