PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The extension of the runway of the Providenciales international airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) has been completed and was officially opened this week. The ceremony featured a ribbon cutting by Governor Gordon Wetherell with a number of officials in attendance.
The runway is the first phase in a reported $100 million expansion planned to promote increased tourism in the TCI.
A greatly enlarged air terminal, which will include passenger access ramps or jet ways is yet to be started. An expanded parking lot to accommodate up to 500 vehicles is also planned.
The expansion program predates the imposition of direct rule by Britain in August 2009. Prior to the dissolution of the elected parliament, the expansion was voted on and passed by a joint political effort led by the Progressive National Party (PNP) government. The financing was to be provided by an additional $35 per passenger departure tax, raising the tax to over $100. The opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) suggested a change in the legislation supporting the expansion, making the $35 tax a maximum, allowing for a lesser amount if lower interest financing was available.
