The Portland International Jetport will move ahead with $10.8 million in upgrades at Maine’s largest airport after the City Council approved the flight plan earlier this week.
A total of $10,847,000 was appropriated from three sources: a grant of more than $9 million from the Federal Aviation Administration; a $543,000 matching grant from the Maine Department of Transportation; and $1.24 million in Jetport matching funds.
The funding will support the second phase of a project to replace 70,000 square feet of 20-inch-thick concrete apron that's more than 25 years old, along with a second phase of expanding the long-term hold area and de-icing pad. The expansion will add 60,000 square feet and create a fourth aircraft position.
Paul Bradbury. FILE PHOTO / TIM GREENWAY
Airport Director Paul Bradbury told Mainebiz that construction is scheduled to begin on April 23 and wrap up on Nov. 23. Shaw Brothers Construction, based in Gorham, is the contractor. The funding was approved at Monday’s City Council meeting.
Another effort to increase parking
At the same meeting, Council held a first reading on a $10.1 million appropriation for preliminary design and planning of additional parking on 2.2 acres south of Jetport Boulevard.
A second reading is scheduled for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Monday, April 27.
An earlier proposal for additional parking was opposed by neighbors and rejected by the City Council.
