Story ID: 
Mississippi Airport Plans for Growth
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: On tap is a $7 million ramp expansion with connecting taxiway
Word Count: 215
As part of its recently approved 20-year growth plan for Mississippi’s Trent Lott International Airport (KPQL), the Jackson County Airport Authority has approved a $7 million project that will add 15,000 square yards of apron space with frontage for aircraft hangar development and 2,700 square yards of connector taxiway for access to the existing parallel taxiway.
Airport director Cinnamon Snyder told AIN that in addition to more ramp parking, the move is intended to attract an MRO provider to establish a maintenance capacity at the airport. Construction is expected to commence in early 2025, with planned completion by 2026.
It was designed with input from the airport’s advisory committee which includes the county’s economic development foundation and board of supervisors, as well as Southern Sky Aviation—the lone FBO on the field. The development will be funded by FAA AIP grants, the airport, the Mississippi DOT’s Strategic Multi-modal Investments Fund, and the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act.
“Trent Lott International Airport has long been a tremendous asset, aligning well with our strong industrial and defense infrastructure,” explained George Freeland, executive director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation. “We…look forward to seeing the return on these investments."