Major upgrades are ready for takeoff at MacArthur Airport.

Officials say they have received $1.5 million in grants from the FAA to start improving the facility.

Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken says the upgrades will be done in three phases. The first involves building a new parking ramp for planes.

The second phase will replace 24 vestibule doors, making them more energy efficient and ADA compliant. It will also replace the 93,000 square-foot roof in the baggage claim terminal and bring new technology to the baggage carousels.

"There are new types of bag belts. There are new types of tracking mechanisms for baggage. There's additional security that goes into the bag carousels in the units that we have," LaRose-Arken said.

The third phase will construct a new 100,000 square-foot concourse with two stories. Airport officials say the improvements will enhance the airport experience for customers. They also hope the upgrades will attract new airline carriers.

Airport officials say the design phase of the upgrades will be completed by 2020 and construction is expected to begin the following year.