Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #298 Orlando International Airport Mid-Crossfield Taxiway Tunnels
Requester:	Lee Tillotson		Organization:		Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Project Title:	Orlando International Airport Mid-Crossfield Taxiway Tunnels		Date Submitted:		01/13/2000 2:27:03 PM
District Member:	Buddy Dyer		Service Area:		Statewide
Counties Affected:	Orange
Recipient:	Greater Orlando Aviation Authority		Contact:		Lee Tillotson
	One Airport Boulevard		Contact Phone:		(407) 825-2048
	Orlando 32827
Project Description:
Orlando International Airport (OIA) is ranked among the world's fastest growing airports and is forecasted to experience an annual passenger growth of more than double the national average. In November 1999, OIA reached a new record level, serving over 29 million passengers annually. Recognizing OIA's growth continues to outpace U.S. airport industry averages, the Airport Authority has initiated a $1.5 billion dollar capital program which includes the development of a new South Terminal Complex. The South Terminal Complex will consist of a modern passenger terminal that will serve both international and domestic passengers, aprons, taxiways, access roads, automobile parking, intermodal transit system, and other support facilities. Phase I of the new South Terminal Complex will consist of 10 to 12 gates that will allow OIA to accommodate over 37 million passengers annually. The first phase of the South Terminal Complex is expected to be operational by December 2002. A major infrastructure component of the South Terminal Complex is the TUNNELS under the Mid-Crossfield taxiway that will support alternative modes of transportation to and from OIA by providing additional corridors for rail and roads. The Airport Master Plan confirms that the Mid-Crossfield Taxiway Tunnels are necessary to provide surface transportation capacity when OIA exceeds 30 million annual passengers. Currently, the two Mid-Crossfield Taxiway Tunnels provide two corridors under the existing dual lane taxiway. Because of forecasted growth and the construction of Phase I of the South Terminal Complex, tunnel expansion to provide four additional corridors is essential.
Services Provided/Benefit to State:
TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS: Orlando International Airport performs a vital role in the Florida and U.S. transportation network. Central Florida is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world and airlines carry more passengers per plane to OIA than to any other destination. OIA has the largest rental car market in the world. In the U.S., eight of the top 20 routes with the highest load factors occur at OIA. OIA's growth rate for passenger and cargo traffic continue to exceed the national average. Florida's top two industries in dollar volume are tourism and international trade. Florida's trade industry, tourism, and business sector growth depend on airports with a multimodal transportation system. The North Terminal Complex at OIA is reaching design capacity. Recently, with the financial commitment of our airline partners, the Authority has commenced the design of the first phase of the South Terminal Complex. When South Terminal is fully developed, OIA will have the capacity to serve 70 million domestic and international passengers annually. A major element in ensuring optimum surface connection between the new South Terminal Complex and the existing North Terminal Complex is the Intermodal Transit System. The Intermodal Transit System and the Mid-Crossfield Taxiway Tunnels will accommodate future rail serving to OIA. The State has invested in several studies that explore the development of a rail corridor through Central Florida - including a port-to-port that will link seaport, airport, and Central Florida's high-tech corridor. DIRECT ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO THE STATE: Orlando International Airport currently has a $14 billion economic impact on Central Florida. In 1997, it provided 54,400 direct and indirect jobs and approximately $644 million in tax revenues. Over the next 20 years through 2020, OIA will generate over $25 billion in sales and fuel tax revenue for Florida - over $1 billion annually. A recent study by Hank Fishkind and Associates determined that, with a $25 million investment in the OIA Mid-Crossfield Taxiway Tunnels by the State of Florida, the following economic benefits will be generated: 544 new jobs with an average $28,000 annual salary $9,099,304 in additional tax revenue to the State With over $9 million in new tax revenue, OIA could repay the State the $25 million in 2.75 years, and the State would receive a 36.40% return on its investment. State grants provide funding to construct facilities necessary to efficiently process passengers and cargo through a seamless transportation system. Furthermore, this funding allows OIA to maintain competitive airline fees and lower transportation costs for the benefit of regional and national commerce. ECONOMIC BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY/CONSUMER: Orlando International Airport has 70% more domestic origination and destination traffic than any other Florida airport. OIA provides international carriers direct access with the fifth largest origination and destination market in the United States. This provides competitive pricing and direct connections to 75 cities promoting business development, tourism,and expanded economic opportunities. Added capacity provides OIA the ability to attract new markets and airlines, thereby increasing cost competitiveness and travel options.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
Without State financial participation, the Authority must incur increased debt which will result in higher terminal and passenger fees. Higher costs will reduce airline competitiveness, thereby increase traffic delays to the state and national system. With State participation, OIA fees will remain competitive and attractive for new international and domestic business.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:				$21,250,000
Total cost of the project:		$42,500,000

Request has been made to fund:			Construction
Is there Local Government or Private match for this request?				Yes
	Cash Amount:	$21,250,000
Was this project previously funded by the State?				No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?				No
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?				No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?				No
Is there a documented need for this project?				Yes
	Documentation:	JACIP, OIA Master Plan, OIA Capital Improvement Plan
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?				Yes
	Hearing Body:	Orange County Legislative Delegation
	Meeting Date:	01/12/2000