3 Maine airports get a total of $18M for terminal upgrades

Photo / Jim Neuger A boy looks from the gate area at a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 at Portland International Jetport last fall.

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By Renee Cordes

Three Maine airports will share more than $18 million in federal funding for terminal upgrades, according to a news release Monday.

The funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s fiscal year 2024 Airport Terminal Program and will go to Portland International Jetport, Presque Isle International Airport and Eastport Municipal Airport.

“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s transportation network that promote job creation and economic development,” U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said.

“Throughout our state, airports play a critical role not only in carrying residents and visitors, but also in facilitating medical services for those in rural communities in emergencies when seconds count,” added Collins, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“These significant investments will allow airports across Maine to make much-needed improvements to their infrastructure, improving the safety and efficiency of their operations, while enhancing passengers’ overall experience.”

Planned projects

The funding will be allocated as follows:

Portland International Jetport: $10.4 million to fund installation of new passenger boarding bridges and fixed bridge extensions from the terminal building, as well as a new concourse, public restroom, adult changing space, pet relief area and an expansion of the hold room.
Presque Isle International Airport: $6.5 million to fund construction of a new terminal superstructure and building enclosure to bring the airport into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, improve energy efficiency, and expand safety features.
Eastport Municipal Airport: $1.12 million to fund construction of a new terminal to replace the existing building.

At the Portland facility, Airport Director Paul Bradbury recently told Mainebiz that the Jetport has no immediate borrowing needs after replenishing its cash reserves to a “healthy” level above $40 million and offered a bullish business outlook for the year ahead.

“The unexpected soft landing has the Jetport and our regional economy well-positioned for modest but stable growth in 2024,” he said.