Billion dollar expansion approved for Southwest Florida International Airport

The Lee County Commissioners have approved a billion-dollar expansion for Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). The massive project will add a new terminal, bringing 14 more gates to the airport.

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Lee County approves billion-dollar expansion for Southwest Florida International Airport

The new terminal, named Concourse E, will feature a new TSA checkpoint, an upgraded baggage handling system, and expanded retail spaces. The project also includes upgrades to taxiways and utilities.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0uDe1n_0vMT6Ljp00 Lee County Port Authority
Location of the proposed expansion in red.

“This is the largest public works project probably in the history of Lee County,” said Commissioner Brian Hamman during Thursday’s meeting. The expansion is projected to meet the region’s needs through 2036.

“We have to continue to plan for the future,” Hamman added. “We need to build an airport big enough to handle the passengers, so we don’t find ourselves in gridlock.”

The estimated cost of the expansion exceeds $1 billion. Funding will come from various sources, including $900 million in airport revenue bonds and federal grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

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