Problems are mounting at RSW International Airport after Gulf Coast News discovers damages to the existing building currently in the middle of an expansion project.
This news comes as the project is more than four years behind schedule and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget.
Lee County Commissioner and Port Authority Commissioner David Mulicka confirmed to the existing airport structure was damaged and Gulf Coast News obtained pictures that show high-tech windows worth millions, set to be installed, have been left sitting outside for nearly two years.
Lee County government spending watchdog Joyce Campagna called all of the news a complete mess.
“I think there are some real mismanagement problems there,” Campagna said.
Mulicka explained that crews damaged concrete while tying the new building to the existing building.
“They used a core drill into the building, and according to the reports from the contractor and the engineer the damage was caused to the structure that decreased the structural integrity significantly,” Mulicka stated.
He stressed the damage does not pose a threat to the traveling public.
“There is no safety hazard for residents, visitors of any kind,” Mulicka noted.
He pointed out that the damages to the concrete occurred two years ago.
“I'm not sure why it wasn't brought to the board's attention sooner, but I was not serving back then,” Mulicka responded.
The project is four years behind schedule and more than $300 million over budget.
Meanwhile, Gulf Coast news obtained pictures that show millions of dollars in high tech windows were left outside in two hurricanes.
“We've paid $4.5 million for these windows that have been sitting out in the sun for close to two years. Uncovered and unprotected to date,” Mulicka explained.
He said many of the windows are ruined.
“They've told us to expect 15 to 25% of the windows that have to be replaced … there not sure about the other 75%,” Mulicka continued.
He said contractors want another nearly $8 million to finally store the windows.
Campagna called the project appalling.
“This is based on fees for using the airport and not tax revenue dollars; however, it is still sad and fees from people who travel through the airport,” Campagna pointed out.
Travelers like Doug Cameron who said he practically lives at the airport because he uses it so often is looking forward to the project being completed.
“Comparatively, this is already a step up from a lot of airports in the U.S.,” Cameron said.
Airport Authority meetings to discuss the delays have been put on hold and have not been rescheduled.