[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 174 (Thursday, November 10, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1126-E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING THE GROUND
       BREAKING OF CONCOURSE A AT KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CARLOS A. GIMENEZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 10, 2022

  Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
groundbreaking of Concourse A at Key West International Airport (EYW). 
As the proud representative of Florida's 26th Congressional District, I 
fought hard to include crucial funding for Monroe County, including the 
nearly $40 million in federal grants for this airport expansion project 
at EYW. This new concourse will augment the airport's enplanement 
capacity, making it a vital project for the residents, tourists, and 
businesses in the Florida Keys.
  Monroe County, whose Board of County Commissioners unanimously 
approved plans for the project in August, has big plans for Concourse 
A. Totaling nearly 49,000 square feet, it will contain expanded baggage 
areas and concession opportunities, seven new passenger boarding jet 
bridges, and more office spaces. New airline ramp spaces and ramp 
equipment storage areas will also be housed below the new concourse. 
Clear story windows and a curtain wall system will provide plenty of 
natural light for all airport users to enjoy. The airport's main 
terminal will also be expanded, with renovations to accommodate space 
for four new security lanes and added support spaces at the existing 
restaurant location, among other improvements. An extended pedestrian 
bridge, located after Concourse A's security checkpoint, will connect 
the new concourse with the main terminal.
  Millions visit the Florida Keys every year, and Key West 
International Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating much of that 
tourism.

[[Page E1127]]

Just last year, the airport set an annual record when it processed over 
one million passengers. This new, state-of-the-art concourse will give 
the airport much-needed space to welcome and process travelers, which 
will help remove some car traffic on U.S. 1 while giving locals even 
more nonstop flight options to other parts of the country.
  It is my honor to represent Monroe County in the U.S. House of 
Representatives. Key West is one of the top destinations in the 
country, and this development project will help even more people 
experience it for themselves. I applaud all the individuals who worked 
so hard to make Concourse A reality, and I very much look forward to 
its completion.

                          ____________________