The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has approved Regional Cities Initiative funding to support the renovation of the Evansville Regional Airport Terminal.
“The Evansville Regional Airport is the gateway to Indiana’s Great Southwest, continuing to attract commerce, business and talent to the region” said Governor Mike Pence. “The renovations of the Evansville Airport will continue to set Indiana apart as the Crossroads of America. As our state enters its third century, it is connectivity projects like this that will keep Indiana soaring.”
“The Evansville Regional Airport is the gateway to Southwest Indiana and the first impression travelers receive,†said Beth McFadin Higgins, president of the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. “It is important for this first impression to provide a welcoming environment along with the modern amenities of the 21st century traveler.â€
EVANSVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL RENOVATION
The Evansville Regional Terminal Building was designed 30 years ago, and must undergo infrastructure updates in order to remain functional and competitive. Functional improvements to the airport include reconfiguring the TSA security gates, increasing the utilization of jet ways and updating their terminal’s restrooms, restaurants and parking. Additionally, the airport will undergo renovations to update its appearance.
The updated terminal will improve the region’s connectivity and help local companies grow their businesses, attract talent, develop new customers and improve the quality of supply chains. Design work and bid packages should be finished within the coming weeks.
Total Project Investment: $12.36 million
State funding: $5 million
“Evansville Regional Airport is an important driver of economic activity in the region, so making investments that lay the groundwork for additional, affordable choices for flyers and better facilities for passengers is incredibly important,†said Doug Joest, executive director of the Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority District. “The Regional Cities funding will help the airport create a modern and streamlined terminal with an impressive front door to the community.â€
Regional Cities Initiative in Southwest Indiana:
These projects were recommended for funding by the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) and are part of the region’s Indiana’s Great Southwest plan, which outlines a goal of 11 regional development projects in four counties totaling $926 million in quality of place investments.
Southwest Indiana was one of three Indiana regions selected to receive state funding through the Regional Cities Initiative, which will allocate a total of $126 million toward 100 quality of place projects totaling more than $2 billion in combined state, local and private investment in order to retain and attract top talent to the Hoosier state.
SUPER Improvements… d
This is another waste of funds. What exactly are any of these “improvements” going to do to help the “economic activity” of the region? Updating restrooms and restaurants? A pretty “first impression”?
When we fly, we always drive to Louisville, St. Louis, or Nashville and usually save over $1,000 in fares. Corporate usage is what keeps it open because the fares are deductible and the flyers don’t pay out of their own pockets.
State investment is $5 million? Does the other $7.36 million materialize out of gossamer clouds? And we all know we can add a minimum $2 million to the final cost. Let’s spend it on bridges and roads everyone travels on, ok?
Comments are closed.