Rubio urges feds to prioritize funding for Florida airports

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WWSB) - U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has asked the Biden administration to speed up construction projects at more than two dozen Florida airports, including Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

In a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Aviation Administrator Stephen Dickson, Rubio said projects at the 27 airports are critical to public safety and Florida’s economy.

“Our airports form an integral part of Florida’s rapidly growing economy and, in particular, its robust tourism industry, which is well on its way to returning to its pre-COVID rate of attracting more than 130 million visitors – both domestic and international – each year,” Rubio wrote.

“However, I continue to hear from airports across the state about aging and outdated features, and the pressing need to upgrade, replace, and rebuild many important structures in Florida airports. Leadership teams at these airports have identified important projects that, if funded, will make flying safer for Floridians, airport employees, and the tens of millions of visitors to the Sunshine State each year.”

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport’s five-gate expansion project and a consolidated in-line checked baggage inspection system was on Rubio’s list.

Other nearby airports on Rubio’s list include:

Tampa International Airport (TPA): “TPA is home to the second oldest air traffic control tower in the country. The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, in conjunction with the FAA, has already identified a location for a new tower. Given the risk the current condition of the tower poses to the safety and security of TPA staff and travelers, this project is an obvious candidate for FAA funding. An additional project in need of funding at TPA is a new Airside.”
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE): “PIE is in particular need of federal funding to support its terminal expansion project, given its expanded airport operations.”
Southwest Florida International Airport, Fort Myers (RSW): “Given RSW’s significant growth over the last year and a half, the airport is in need of funding for its gate expansion project, which adds a new 14-gate concourse. One additional project in need of funding is a Public Safety Facility, which would relocate the airport policy department and security office to allow for a safer, more tactical response to security incidents.”