Jacobs, a Dallas-based global engineering and consulting firm, has been awarded a $150 million contract by the Denver City Council to oversee a transformative infrastructure project at Denver International Airport (DEN). The 10-year agreement, approved on May 12, positions Jacobs as the program manager for a new consolidated rental car facility and an integrated transportation system that will connect the hub to the main terminal.

The Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility will centralize rental car operations into a single location, streamlining traveler experiences and improving airport logistics. The accompanying Common Transportation System will serve as a critical link between the rental hub and DEN’s terminal, helping alleviate current congestion issues.

According to a Jacobs news release, the contract scope includes implementation of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, fueling stations, traffic design enhancements, and cutting-edge technology integration. Jacobs will also manage procurement for the project.

“Consolidating rental car operations in a single facility connected to the main terminal by a common transportation system reduces traffic in the terminal area, eliminates the unsustainable numbers of shuttle buses, frees up curb space and allows redevelopment of surface lots for future needs,” said Steve Pelham, Jacobs vice president and transportation director for the Americas. “For Denver International Airport, these enhancements will provide critical space as the airport expands to meet demand.”

This contract strengthens Jacobs' longstanding relationship with DEN. Since 1992, the firm has worked on more than 60 airport projects, including the Concourse Expansion Program and the Great Hall Improvement Program.

The award also aligns with Jacobs’ strategic push into infrastructure and federal consulting. During the firm’s Q2 earnings call in May, CEO Bob Pragada emphasized their growing focus on public sector and infrastructure clients amid broader market uncertainty.

Jacobs’ momentum in the transportation sector is further evidenced by its recent win in Seattle, where Sound Transit tapped the firm to lead early design for the $7.1 billion West Seattle Link Extension, a 4.1-mile light rail expansion.

Denver International Airport remains one of the busiest in the world, and this project will play a key role in meeting future travel demand while modernizing ground operations. With sustainability and efficiency at its core, the rental car hub and transit system are expected to support long-term growth and reduce environmental impact through reduced shuttle traffic and EV support.

Construction timelines and completion dates for the project are expected to be announced as planning phases advance.

Originally reported by Sebastian Obando in Construction Dive.