The Lee County Port Authority has approved a $725 million bond sale as part of the ongoing effort to fund the $1.7 billion terminal expansion project at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), a major investment in regional air travel infrastructure.

The Board of Port Commissioners, which also serves as the Lee County Commission, voted unanimously to authorize the airport revenue bonds. Officials said the financing move will help advance construction already underway while minimizing financing costs and keeping the project on schedule.

How the Bond Sale Fits Into the Expansion

The bond sale provides a substantial portion of the capital needed to complete two major phases of the RSW terminal project:

  • Phase 1 involves consolidating security screening, expanding concessions and amenities, and improving passenger circulation areas; costs for this phase have increased following design enhancements.

  • Phase 2 focuses on building a new concourse — Terminal E — which will add gates and capacity to handle future passenger growth. This phase is reported to be well underway with significant investment from private contractors.

  • The bond proceeds also help fund a new public safety building at the airport, a smaller but important piece of long-term infrastructure.

Airport leaders said the financing will save millions in interest costs over time compared with alternative funding structures, and is a strategic way to support one of Southwest Florida’s most notable construction projects.

What the Expansion Means for Travelers

The RSW terminal expansion aims to significantly boost the airport’s capacity and traveler experience. Current plans include:

  • A new, consolidated security checkpoint to shorten wait times

  • Expanded retail, dining and passenger amenities

  • Additional gates via the new Concourse E to support more flights and destinations

  • Improved circulation and baggage handling systems

Once completed, these upgrades are expected to accommodate a broader mix of airlines, boost tourism, and improve customer experience across Southwest Florida — an area that has seen strong population and travel growth in recent years.

Local Impact and Funding Strategy

Airport officials emphasized that the bond sale financing largely avoids direct reliance on local tax dollars. Instead, the bonds are repaid through airport revenue streams such as landing fees, concessions and passenger charges.

Supporting the expansion through bonds allows the airport to spread costs over the long term while keeping capital flowing to construction crews and contractors working on site. Work on both phases continues, with some parts already halfway complete, according to construction partners.

What’s Next

With construction actively moving forward and financing secured, RSW’s multi-phase terminal expansion remains on track. Airport officials project increased airline service and expanded traveler options once the new facilities open, reinforcing RSW’s role as a key economic engine for Southwest Florida.