Rooney Announces Over $2.2 million for Punta Gorda Airport

PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA – Congressman Tom Rooney (FL-17) announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded a $2.2 million grant to the Punta Gorda Airport in Charlotte County to support important airport upgrades.

The grant will fund a new baggage system in the terminal building needed to enable the efficient movement of passengers and baggage. Additionally, the project will fund an 11,400 square yard expansion of the air carrier ramp to provide additional space for aircraft parking. Last year, the Punta Gorda Airport serviced more than 1.1 million passengers and has experienced 100 percent overall growth since 2012. The total regional economic impact of the Punta Gorda airport has grown in recent years to be over $300 million. 

“I am pleased that the FAA recognizes the value of investing in the continued growth of the Punta Gorda Airport and am excited by the opportunities these improvements will bring to Southwest Florida,” Rooney said. “Serving on the Appropriations Committee, I make it a priority to fight for funding for federal programs that benefit our local economy, like the FAA’s airport improvement grants. It’s rewarding to see the hard work of our local leaders, who work diligently to apply for these grants year after year, pay off. The Punta Gorda Airport has expanded exponentially over the past few years and this investment will help our area continue to attract new visitors and support opportunities for economic growth.”