b'14 SRQTERMINALSRocha reports that the new combo trailers have beenThanks to those funding sources, SRQ is still debt-freewell received by the ground support team at SRQ. Duringeven with $100 million in other projects being finalized in the commissioning and training, the feedback was very positive andcoming months. We have an excellent relationship with our energetic, he recalls. Our customers were extremely happy withstate organization, and Florida contributes a lot towards aviation the products ease of use and convenience of [having] the PCAbecause it is so important to the states tourism industry,and 400 Hz on the same cart. Piccolo comments.The new Concourse A not only enhances the passenger Financial Impact experience but also contributes to the local economy. Additional Total cost of the Concourse A Terminal project was about $120concession spaces mean more jobs, and the facilitys increased million, funded through a combination of internal, state andcapacity enables airlines to expand service, bringing more visitors federal sources. The FAA contributed about $66 million, includingto the region. In 2022, a Florida Department of Transportation $25 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, additionalstudy estimated SRQs economic impact at $3.2 billion annually, entitlement funds and Airport Improvement Program grants. Thesupporting more than 23,000 jobs. Both figures are expected to state provided about $33 million$13 million from the Floridagrow after this expansion.Department of Transportation and a $21.5 million legislative appropriation. The remaining $22 million was covered by the airport. Challenges and SuccessesThe availability of federal funding played a crucial role, with theBuilding a new concourse in just 18 months was no small featBipartisan Infrastructure Law passing in November 2021, justespecially with other concurrent projects moving at full pace in the as the project got underway. The timing was very fortuitous,same area. We hired the right contractor [DeAngelis Diamond/Piccolo recalls. We were in a very good position to go after someMagnum Builders], and they got it done on time, which is really of that money, because we had basically a shovel-ready projectchallenging, post-COVID, says Bontrager. about the day after the bill was passed.March | April 2025AirportImprovement.com'