Yesterday the Jackson County Airport Authority (JCAA) was joined by regional and federal partners to break ground on the Trent Lott International AirportNorth 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, Mississippi
Department of Transportation, and 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-toaircraft
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
strengthening 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 inJackson 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.
