International processing facility project moves forward
Tallahassee International Airport will break ground to begin construction of an international processing facility. The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on May 17 at the airport terminal.
The $28 million project will be a major economic driver for the region. According to a news release from the city, this is a key project in it five-year strategic plan to enhance and modernize infrastructure to enable capacity for continued growth. It should increase the airport’s annual economic impact from $599 million to $1 billion, the release said.
“This is an exciting time for the City of Tallahassee as our airport embarks on a project that will serve as a global gateway and more closely connect us with markets around the world,” said Major John Dailey. “Our community and our region will reap the economic benefits of this major investment to develop an international processing facility at the Tallahassee International Airport.”
The facility will allow TLH to accommodate international flights and give the ability for goods to be shipped to and received from worldwide destinations. This global gateway is expected to open for service in 2024.
When it’s completed, Tallahassee will become Northwest Florida’s connection to global markets, further positioning itself as a competitive, innovative and sustainable economic hub. The city has completed the design of the new processing facility and awarded construction contracts.
Initial planning for the processing facility began in 2014 and is part of the TLH master plan approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and Florida Department of Transportation. This project will provide for a terminal expansion to house a United States Customs and Border Protection approved international port-of-entry and a federal inspection station that will serve both commercial air service and general aviation needs at TLH.
“The economic impact that TLH generates for our community is growing through strategic projects like the international processing facility,” said David Pollard, the city’s Director of Aviation. “With air travel increasing, now is the time to invest in our airport’s future. As we expand services and welcome more passengers to TLH, we’re proud to provide a convenient, friendly and positive travel experience for all.”
