VERO BEACH — Plans for a new privately-funded U.S. Customs user fee facility were unveiled at the Vero Beach Regional Airport Wednesday morning. State legislators – including Congressman Bill Posey – along with local lawmakers were in attendance.
“The planes will have an opportunity to clear customs in Vero Beach and then continue to wherever their destination is in the U.S.,” said Tim Zorc, Corporate Air Owner’s Representative. “Customs officials will check for passport verification and make sure passengers are all U.S. citizens.”
The event took place at 10:30 a.m. at Corporate Air, Inc., 3450 Airport West Drive. Corporate Air is located on the northwest side of Vero Beach Regional Airport.
Gov. Ron DeSantis was invited, but was not able to attend the ceremony.
Zorc said construction on the new facility was expected to be completed within 12 months.
The $3 million building – which will sit on 4,000 square feet – will not impact taxpayers. The facility will be privately funded by Corporate Air, which will also pay annual operating costs, Zorc said.
“When an airplane comes in, there’s a fee the airplane owner has to pay based on the size of the plane,” Zorc said. “Just private aircraft, carrying less than 20 passengers, will use the facility.”
The building will be the first privately funded U.S. Customs user facility in the U.S., Zorc said.
“It’s just awesome to see the public sector work so well with the private sector,” Posey said. “It’s a win-win deal for everybody.”
Posey said the User Fee Facilities Program was created to provide a way for smaller airports, seaports and other facilities to offer their customers – on a limited basis – important customs services. The facility will increase Vero Beach’s visibility as a travel destination and will allow travelers direct access to the town’s beaches, restaurants, museums and recreation, Posey said.
“This translates into more jobs and increased economic activity,” Posey said.
Zorc said the new building is part of a three-year, $20 million capital campaign that will also add six 20,000 square-foot jet hangars at the airport. The hangars will be capable of storing 20 medium-to-large private jets.
More people – such as CEOs of companies – are moving to the Treasure Coast, causing an increase in demand for private jets, Zorc said. The facility will allow those individuals to commute back and forth.
Zorc praised Corporate Air Owner and President Rodger Pridgeon for leading the efforts for the project. Pridgeon has served as president of the aviation company for more than 36 years.
“All credit goes to Rodger’s vision,” Zorc said.
Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno said the facility is a great addition to the city, Indian River County and the Treasure Coast.
“This is a great accomplishment by Rodger Pridgeon and Corporate Air to intersect this and incorporate it into reality.”
