HILO » Construction is under way for new cargo facilities to serve Hilo International Airport.

The Hawaii Tribune Herald reports that grading and excavating work is on schedule and construction has begun on new cargo facilities for Hawaii island.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie was joined by area politicians and state representatives earlier this month as they broke ground on the $14 million construction project. Isemoto Contracting Co. is spearheading the 63,000-square-foot building to serve the cargo needs of East Hawaii. Abercrombie has hailed the project as a necessary boost for the island’s economy.