[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1865-E1866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PENSACOLA GULF COAST REGIONAL 
                                AIRPORT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 75th 
Anniversary of the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport and its 
service to northwest Florida and visitors worldwide.
  Established during the Great Depression, the grounds for the new 
municipal airport for Pensacola, Florida, were purchased for the sum of 
$50,000 from Mr. and Mrs. Francis W. Taylor on November 1, 1935. 
Shortly after, the Works Project Administration authorized several 
hundred men to clear and grade the heavily-forested property, laying 
out the strong foundation, which 75 years later supports today's modern 
airport.
  The Works Project Administration approved the construction of three 
paved runways and the airport's first administration building. In 1937, 
a Stinson Trimotor airplane of Atlantic and Gulf Coast Airlines landed 
the first scheduled commercial airline passenger service. During the 
following year, the runways welcomed the first air mail service upon 
arrival of a Lockheed Electra from National Airlines.
  Throughout World War II, the airport played a supporting role and was 
leased to the United States Navy. During this time, the military 
invested more than $1 million into airport improvements, including 
paving the way for a fourth runway. The Pensacola Municipal Airport was 
returned to the city's control in 1945 and transitioned to commercial 
operations in the 1950s. In 1952, a new administration building at 
Pensacola Municipal Airport was built and named Hagler Field, honoring 
Pensacola's beloved mayor, the late Conner L. Hagler.
  During the next decade, the Pensacola airport embraced the commercial 
jet age supporting the landing of an Eastern Air Lines Boeing 727 in 
1965, which called for lengthening the airport's runways. As its 
services continued to grow, the airport was renamed Pensacola Regional 
Airport in 1972, and in 1978, the increased commercial air traffic led 
to making arrangements for the airport's first regional airlines. To 
accommodate the expansion of their operations, the airport further 
enhanced its physical structure. In the 1990s, a two-story air terminal 
was built that included the airport's first enclosed jetways, and 
entering into the new millennium, plans were launched for a multi-
million dollar modernization.
  In 2008, the Pensacola Regional Airport was renamed the Pensacola 
Gulf Coast Regional Airport. While over the course of its history, the 
airport has undergone several name and structural changes, one thing 
has remained constant--the professionalism and hospitality of all those 
who have dedicated their time and hard work to maintain the airport's 
daily operations and who make it all possible.
  Madam Speaker, over the last 75 years, the airport has grown and 
transitioned into one of the largest commercial airports in the Gulf 
Coast. Whether dropping by for a visit or calling Pensacola or its 
surrounding areas home, the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport and 
its staff provides all those who pass through it a warm welcome to the 
Emerald Coast. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of passengers it 
serves annually and the communities of northwest Florida, my wife Vicki 
and I would like to congratulate the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional 
Airport on their 75th Anniversary and wish its employees all the best 
for continued success.

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