Construction on Taxiway C to Begin in Early 2025

FAA Funding Received to Begin Taxiway C Construction

Punta Gorda, FL (Sept. 232024) - The Charlotte County Airport Authority recently received grants from the FAA to begin important airfield reconstruction projects for Taxiway C and the Taxiway C/D intersection. Of the total $16 million in project costs, more than $14.4 million was provided by FAA Entitlement and Discretionary grants, while $800,000 dollars was funded through Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) grants, and the remaining $800,000 was funded through Passenger Facility Charges (PFC).

This design-bid-build project is comprised of two sub-projects. Sub-Project 1 will include the construction of a new bypass taxiway on Taxiway D by Taxiway C. Sub-Project 2 will include the reconstruction of Taxiway C (2,000' x 50') as well as the reconfiguration of the Taxiway intersection with Runway 15-33. Work elements will include pavement demolition, new pavement and lime rock base course, new signage and lighting, and earthwork.

These changes will bring Taxiway C into compliance with design standards. These projects also includes an extension of the parallel segment of taxiway to provide bypass capability for aircraft taxiing past the air carrier ramp. Currently, aircraft taxiing along Taxiway D must hold for air carrier aircraft pushing back from the air carrier ramp. Construction of the bypass capability would reduce taxi delays incurred by these aircraft.

Construction work is expected to begin in early 2025, with completion projected by Spring 2026. To learn more about the airport construction projects, review the Capital Improvement Program Report included in the Board Agenda.

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About Punta Gorda Airport

The Charlotte County Airport Authority (CCAA), governed by five elected commissioners, owns and operates the Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), located at 28000 Airport Road, five minutes off I-75, exits 161 and 164 in between Sarasota and Ft. Myers. PGD provides quick and easy access to Southwest Florida, and is home to commercial air service, air charters, medical transport services, aircraft maintenance and avionics repair, an A&P School, as well as flight schools, distributers and manufacturers. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operations or construction. CCAA is a nontaxing entity and operates as an enterprise fund, supported by revenue generated from its operations including rental car concession, parking, fuel sales and hangar, building and land leases on its 2,000-acre property, in addition to federal and state grants. The CCAA is an independent special district pursuant to chapter 189, Florida Statutes, and operates in accordance with FAA requirements and guidelines. A 2022 economic impact study by the FDOT estimated that PGD is responsible for 11,319 jobs and $1.7 billion in total economic output. For more information, visit www.flypgd.com.