State funding of $194 million will help create the Tampa Gateway Center at Tampa International Airport (TIA), according to Florida Gov. Rick Scott. The Gateway Center will include a 2.3 million-square-foot rental car center with a transit stop and a 1.3-mile Automated People Mover (APM), which will connect the economy parking garage and rental car center to the terminal.

“This critical investment of $194 million in TIA not only helps make it one of the world’s premier airports, but it also increases the passenger capacity and creates jobs for Florida’s families,” says Scott.

Construction of the APM and Gateway Center will generate approximately 7,141 jobs, according to Scott. Once operational, 1,112 permanent jobs are projected (277 immediate and 835 shortly after completion of phase 1).

“The Gateway Center and Automated People Mover projects will help relieve congestion, improve connectivity and create additional parking at the airport,” says Sen. Bill Galvano (R-Fla.). “I commend Governor Scott for his efforts to ensure Tampa International will be able to accommodate future tourism growth.”

In addition to the state funding, Tampa International Airport will invest $749 million in the Tampa Gateway Center to build the Consolidated Rental Car Facility and Automated People Mover as well as taxiway reconstruction, terminal expansion and parking/concession redevelopment, according to Scott.

Construction is expected to begin this year and be completed by 2017.