U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa Bay) announced today that Tampa International Airport will receive a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for its master plan. The $1,071,902 grant will provide design funds for TIA's new automated people mover and taxiway reconstruction. 

“Tampa International Airport’s master plan for modernization and expansion will boost jobs and business opportunities in the years ahead and this $1 million will help get it moving.  America’s infrastructure needs a shot in the arm and I am pleased Tampa Bay’s award-winning airport will lead the way,” said U.S. Rep. Castor.

U.S. Rep. Castor made the announcement after meeting with TIA executive director Joe Lopano and a bipartisan group of Tampa Bay area congressional representatives.  U.S. Rep. Castor:  “The master plan is estimated to create 9,000 jobs and will greatly benefit Tampa Bay’s economy.  I strongly support comprehensive, long-term investment in our airports, ports and transit systems that puts people to work and modernizes our nation’s transportation infrastructure.”

U.S. Rep. Castor also spoke today about the jobs created by international travel and the importance of TIA’S new passport kiosks, unveiled today. "Tampa Bay is an outstanding destination and every international traveler that comes to our region spends on average $4,500. Growing our international service will lift our travel and tourism industry that has an exponential impact on Tampa Bay's businesses," U.S. Rep. Castor added.

The new kiosks are located at TIA's Airside F, which handles international flights, and will provide shorter wait times for U.S. and Canadian passport holders and international visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries, such as the United Kingdom, Panama, and Switzerland.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor serves on the powerful House Energy & Commerce Committee, which has oversight on a broad range of issues related to health care, telecommunications, trade, tourism, among others. The committee recently approved the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill to reauthorize funding for Brand USA, a public-private partnership originally created by the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 that helps market U.S. destinations to international travelers at no cost to taxpayers. Brand USA has reached 62 million people worldwide in eight global markets, and has led to 1.1 million additional visitors. These additional visitors have spent $3.4 billion and more than 53,000 new jobs have been created.

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