Airport receives $7 million grant for projects

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

The grant is part of the FAA's Airport Improvement Program. It's funded by user fees on airline tickets and aviation fuel.

According to a press release, the first project includes purchasing and installing 13 new loading bridges to replace existing 28-year-old bridges. The $12 million project will have updated ground power and air conditioning capabilities.

Funds from the grant will also go to a second project — the creation of a Runway Incursion Mitigation that will provide safety improvements to the airport's taxiways.

The airport and the Florida Department of Transportation will provide the remaining funds.

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

Both projects are scheduled to be finished in 2018.