Recognizing the Ground Breaking of Concourse A At Key West International Airport

Floor Speech

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Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the groundbreaking of Concourse A at Key West International Airport (EYW). As the proud representative of Florida's 26th Congressional District, I fought hard to include crucial funding for Monroe County, including the nearly $40 million in federal grants for this airport expansion project at EYW. This new concourse will augment the airport's enplanement capacity, making it a vital project for the residents, tourists, and businesses in the Florida Keys.

Monroe County, whose Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved plans for the project in August, has big plans for Concourse A. Totaling nearly 49,000 square feet, it will contain expanded baggage areas and concession opportunities, seven new passenger boarding jet bridges, and more office spaces. New airline ramp spaces and ramp equipment storage areas will also be housed below the new concourse. Clear story windows and a curtain wall system will provide plenty of natural light for all airport users to enjoy. The airport's main terminal will also be expanded, with renovations to accommodate space for four new security lanes and added support spaces at the existing restaurant location, among other improvements. An extended pedestrian bridge, located after Concourse A's security checkpoint, will connect the new concourse with the main terminal.

Millions visit the Florida Keys every year, and Key West International Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating much of that tourism. Just last year, the airport set an annual record when it processed over one million passengers. This new, state-of-the-art concourse will give the airport much-needed space to welcome and process travelers, which will help remove some car traffic on U.S. 1 while giving locals even more nonstop flight options to other parts of the country.

It is my honor to represent Monroe County in the U.S. House of Representatives. Key West is one of the top destinations in the country, and this development project will help even more people experience it for themselves. I applaud all the individuals who worked so hard to make Concourse A reality, and I very much look forward to its completion.

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