GAINESVILLE, Florida (WCJB) – Nearly $ 16 million was poured into the terminal expansion project at Gainesville Regional Airport, and it took nearly a decade to open day.
The 15,200-square-foot expansion of the airport offers new boarding gates, hundreds of new seats with charging points, and even space for a future grocer.
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The 100+ guests invited to cut through the extension include Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson Jr., Gainesville Town Commissioners, Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper, and State Senator Keith Perry.
“I’m so glad we’re getting together to celebrate, and like I said, I wish we could have opened it to the whole community because this is their airport,” said Erin Porter, public relations manager for Gainesville Regional Airport. “We are proud, we think we are worthy of this amazing facility.”
The groundbreaking for the project was made during the pandemic, but it was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, according to airport CEO Allan Penska.
GNV Airport CEO Allan Penska today welcomes community representatives to expand the terminal at the airport. This project took 9 years and we are going to give you a glimpse into 5 and 6! @ WCJB20 pic.twitter.com/EKShCoERth
– Ruelle Fludd (@ruellefluddnews) July 29, 2021
“We were able to work on it almost 24/7 and the other nice thing is that when people travel again we call them ‘Vaxacations’,” added Porter. “Once people are vaccinated, many of them take trips to see family members they have not seen in a long time. You will come to this beautiful, new, bright, elegant, practical and wonderful airport. “
The multi-million dollar expansion was funded largely by an FAA airport improvement grant and was built entirely by workers in north central Florida.
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“It’s kind of a hometown feeling for me, if you will,” said Clovis Watson Jr., Alachua County sheriff. He was accompanied by almost all of the construction workers who contributed to the project when the new terminal was unveiled.
“We have an airport that is expanding, able to accommodate them and meet the transportation needs that get people to and from Gainesville,” said Watson. “This is an opportunity to do this at home without breaking out for transportation when it comes to our airlines.”
The event featured live music, food and drink, and a bespoke Gainesville airport cake.
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The post Gainesville Regional Airport introduces new terminal expansion first appeared on Daily Florida Press.
from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/gainesville-regional-airport-introduces-new-terminal-expansion/
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