Jackson County Airport Authority Officials, Partners Break Ground On $8.7M Airport Expansion Project
Courtesy of Trent Lott International Airport
Shovels and hard hats await, prior to the groundbreaking ceremony for Trent Lott International Airport’s North Apron Expansion and Taxiway Connector Project.
The expansion project consists of construction of a new concrete aircraft parking apron and connector taxiway, as well as taxiway lighting rehabilitation.
On September 24, the Jackson County Airport Authority (JCAA) was joined by regional and federal partners to break ground on the Trent Lott International Airport North Apron Expansion and Taxiway Connector Project. The $8.7 million investment will boost the airport’s capacity to support further industrial and commercial development in the county and along the Gulf Coast.
The expansion project consists of construction of a new concrete aircraft parking apron and connector taxiway and taxiway lighting rehabilitation. Upon completion, the project will provide approximately 15,000 square yards of apron space for parking of aircraft and would provide frontage for the development of new aircraft hangars. Funding is provided by local and federal sources, including local airport funds, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Mississippi Department of Transportation and the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and the Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States (RESTORE) Act.
“Today’s groundbreaking is another example of our strong partnerships at the local, regional and federal levels,” said George Freeland, Executive Director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation. “I am grateful to Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and our county and city partners for their investments of time and resources. Together, Jackson Countians get the job done.”
This project represents a strong collaboration among partners to strategically position the Trent Lott International Airport for future growth opportunities, including military application and services. The apron expansion will also improve safety, as it reduces the risk of aircraft-to-aircraft or aircraft-to-vehicle incursions.
“Today we break ground on the North Apron Expansion and Taxiway Connector Project and celebrate progress, partnership and the future growth of Trent Lott International Airport. This project would not be possible without the vital support and funding from our local, state and federal partners, and I want to extend a sincere thank you to each of those agencies,” said Cinnamon Snyder, Airport Director. “We are also especially grateful to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors and Jackson County Economic Development Foundation for their steadfast commitment to our airport and its role in serving our region. Together, we are investing in infrastructure that will strengthen our commitment to safety, improve capacity and support economic growth for years to come.”
Rex Foster, Chairman of the Jackson County Airport Authority, said, “This groundbreaking ceremony marks a major step forward for our airport and community. The North Apron Expansion is not just an investment in airport infrastructure; it’s an investment in our community’s economic future. With the support of local, state and federal partners, we’re creating the capacity to attract new business, support military and aviation operations and strengthen the economic engine that drives growth in Jackson County.”
The apron expansion comes on the heels of recent improvement to Trent Lott International Airport to widen and strengthen its runway, which has significantly increased the usage of apron space and need for additional investments. TLIA serves as an important economic development tool in Jackson County, and these projects will ensure local industry mix as well as position the county for aerospace, aviation and related opportunities within the coastal region.