Airport receives $7 million grant for projects

SARASOTA — The Federal Aviation Administration awarded the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority a $7 million grant for two projects at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

The grant is part of the FAA's Airport Improvement Program. It's funded by user fees on airline tickets and aviation fuel.

According to a press release, the first project includes purchasing and installing 13 new loading bridges to replace existing 28-year-old bridges. The $12 million project will have updated ground power and air conditioning capabilities.