Governor Eric Holcomb together with Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke joined executives in launching the last phase of the Evansville Regional Airport renovation on Oct. 25.
Improvements for travelers including centralizing the TSA screening area and updating passengers are the main focus of the $18.9 million project’s third phase. New spaces such as a business lounge and a kids’, pets’ and mothers’ areas will be added.
The renovation of the 30-year-old airport aims to improve connectivity of the southwest region by attracting new nonstop and direct flights to and from Indiana. It is also expected to help local entrepreneurs grow their businesses by attracting more skilled workers and customers.
“Evansville Regional Airport is an important driver of economic activity in the region, so making investments that lay the groundwork for additional, affordable choices for flyers and better facilities for passengers is incredibly important,” said Doug Joest, executive director of the Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority District.
The project’s first and second phases, which are currently underway, include building new meeting and office areas as well as enhancements to the terminal’s exterior structure.
“The Evansville Regional Airport is the gateway to Southwest Indiana and the first impression travelers receive,” said Beth McFadin Higgins, president of the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. “It is important for this first impression to provide a welcoming environment along with the modern amenities of the 21st century traveler.”
Funding for the project is provided by the Regional Cities Initiative, which will allocate a total of $126 million to 100 projects that center on transformational quality of places in Southwest Indiana. Moreover, the initiative is a part of Indiana’s Great Southwest Plan that intends to invest $926 million to 11 regional development projects in four counties.
