Airport begins $18 million in expansion projects

PUNTA GORDA — Construction has begun on the first phase of Punta Gorda Airport’s Aviation Expansion Area, called PGD AviEx. It’s part of $18 million in airport projects that will be constructed in several phases, according to a statement.

PGD AviEx is the largely undeveloped tract of land parallel to Challenger Road where the Florida International Air Show was based the last few years, the release states. Officials hope the runway-adjacent area will become a hub for general aviation activities, as well as a prime spot for onsite flight schools, avionics, aircraft maintenance services and related training programs to expand.