After years of discussion, planning and anticipation for the project, shovels finally hit the dirt
during the July 20 groundbreaking ceremony for the 4,700-square-foot U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility
at the Boca Raton Airport. The $4.3 million customs station is expected to add convenience and safety
for planes returning to Boca Raton after international flights. Currently, those aircraft are required
to make an interim landing at a nearby airport with a customs facility – often Palm Beach International
Airport or Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport – before returning to Boca Raton. The reduction
in the number of takeoffs and landings will decrease fuel consumption,
Airport Authority Executive Director Clara Bennett said.
ABOVE: Atlantic Aviation managers Linda Hernandez, Richard Thacker, Devin Lawrence
and Azra Thomas join Bennett at the groundbreaking. BELOW: Jennifer Connors,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection port director, predicts improved service to the community.
A rendering of the new facility planned to open in the summer of 2017.
Photos by Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star
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