Elected officials, community leaders, and rent-a-car executives gathered yesterday to break ground on construction of the new Consolidated Rent-A-Car (Conrac) facility at Newark Liberty International Airport. The 2.7 million-square-foot development brings all 10 rental brands at Newark under one roof, conveniently located adjacent to the Terminal One Redevelopment Project.

The Conrac will be constructed on a 19.31-acre site, with 2,925 public parking spaces, and 3,380 rental car spaces to support 10 rent-a-car brands. It incorporates retail operations with customer wayfinding and traffic circulation, provides vehicle fleet storage and enhanced security, and features shared components including 15 car washes and 54 fueling positions along with vacuum systems, waste management, and service bays. The project employs several sustainability initiatives including a solar roof, electric vehicle charging stations, LED efficient lighting, and water reclamation and air quality systems.

A key project goal of the ConRAC developers is workforce investment, development, and inclusivity. The developers aim for up to $350 million to be spent in the local economy, with as much as 95% of the project to be completed by local subcontractors and vendors.

Completion of the public parking area is anticipated in 2021, with the Conrac opening to the public in 2023.