SRQ awarded $7 million grant for airport improvements

The Federal Aviation Administration awarded the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority a $7 million grant for two projects at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

The first project includes the purchase and installation of 13 loading bridges to replace the existing 28-year-old bridges. The $12 million jet bridge project will be climate controlled and have upgraded ground power and air conditioning capabilities.

The second project funded by the grant will go toward the creation of a runway incursion mitigation program that will provide safety improvements to the airport’s taxiways.

Both projects are scheduled for completion in 2018 with the airport and Florida Department of Transportation providing the remaining funds.

Funded by the FAA, the grant is part of the Airport Improvement Program that utilizes user fees on airline tickets and aviation fuel.

“This investment continues our efforts to improve the airport facility and enhance safety,” SRQ president at CEO Rick Piccolo said. “The convenience and stress-free experience offered at SRQ will be further enhanced by these improvements.”

This story was originally published August 22, 2017 at 11:05 AM with the headline "SRQ awarded $7 million grant for airport improvements."