A $1 billion terminal expansion is scheduled to commence at Fort Myers Airport.

By Naples News Now | October 1, 2024

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is set to begin a major $1 billion expansion project, marking a significant development for the region’s air travel infrastructure.

Project Details

The expansion, known as Terminal E, will add 14 new passenger gates to the airport. This massive undertaking includes:

  • Construction of a new terminal building
  • Expansion of existing terminal facilities
  • Upgrades to the baggage handling system
  • New TSA checkpoint
  • Expanded retail spaces
  • Improvements to taxiways and utilities
  • Modifications to terminal roadways

The project aims to meet the region’s growing air travel needs through 2036.

Timeline and Funding

  • Groundbreaking is scheduled for October 15, 2024
  • The entire project is expected to take approximately three years to complete

Funding for this expansion comes from multiple sources:

  • $900 million in airport revenue bonds
  • Federal grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Grants from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)[

Importantly, no Lee County property taxes will be directly used for construction costs.

Economic Impact

This expansion is a response to increasing passenger traffic at RSW. The airport is on track to serve more than 11 million passengers in 2024 and is estimated to generate an $8.3 billion economic impact for the region.

Oversight and Management

Given the scale and cost of the project, there have been calls for additional oversight:

  • The Lee County Clerk of Courts has recommended hiring specialists for project oversight
  • Commissioners have requested regular progress reports from Suffolk Construction, the company managing the project

This expansion represents the largest public works project in Lee County’s history and is set to significantly enhance the airport’s capacity and passenger experience.

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