Broward Mayor and Congressional leaders tour Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
L to r: Broward County Mayor Kristin Jacobs updates Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz on the progress of the $791 million runway expansion project at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. A representative from Parsons Transportation Group joined the tour.
Submitted by Kimberly Maroe,
Broward County Mayor Kristin Jacobs and top Congressional leaders Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congresswoman Lois Frankel focused their attention on the progress being made on the $791-million expansion of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport runway today.
The three political leaders, along with Broward County Aviation Department staff and local media, toured the vast expansion site, stopping along the way for updates on construction progress, future operations, and an overview of the total economic benefit in terms of job creation and future revenue.
“This is a large undertaking that is creating an estimated 44,000 jobs and $2.6 billion in annual economic activity to Broward County. As a Board, we went to great lengths to ensure that the project would be environmentally sound and that the concerns of nearby residents would be thoroughly addressed in terms of their property values, noise mitigation and lifestyle,” said Mayor Jacobs.
During the two-hour tour, the group was given a firsthand look at the construction site for the extension of runway 9R/27L (south runway) to 8,000 feet, which is expected to be completed in September 2014.
“Mayor Jacobs, who is known nationally for leadership in transportation, the Broward Commission and Aviation staff, should be commended for the way this project has been undertaken. It’s been a cooperative effort that ensures a more efficient airport for travelers, protection for the environment and close collaboration with residents to bring resolution to noise and property concerns,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Shultz.
“This is about job creation and transporting people in and out more efficiently without delay,” noted Congresswoman Lois Frankel. “The cost of the project will be made whole within three-and-one-half years.”
Construction began in January 2012, and at its peak will be contributing more than $1 million per day to the economy in construction activity. The runway expansion is anticipated to generate more than 11,000 temporary jobs over the life of the project.
