Airport renamed after Donald Trump seems in no rush to change signs | World | News
An old Palm Beach International Airport sign seen here before it was replaced (Image: Getty)
Donald J Trump International Airport It’s the new title for a major Florida transportation hub rebranded by America’s 47th president in his honor. The airport, located just three miles from Trump’s Mar-a-lago resort and formerly known as Palm Beach International (PBI), underwent the name change following a vote and agreement by the local county commission in May.
However, the transition has been somewhat turbulent and many signs inside the airport still bear the old PBI name and branding, according to The Guardian. The paper reported that although digital signs and traffic signs now use the new name, many of the old physical emblems, such as baggage halls and ticket booths, still read PBI, and there is no timetable yet for their replacement.
The official aviation code change is expected to occur on August 18. All international airports have a three-letter code; for example London Heathrow is LHR. Donald J Trump International Airport It will officially become DJT next month, replacing the old PBI code.
Donald J Trump signs reportedly not hanging everywhere yet (Image: Getty)
The Guardian reported Possible reasons for the slow progress of rebranding efforts in some parts of the airport may stem from the debate over where funding for the project should come from.
He said only £2.75 million, or about £2 million, came from the Florida state level for the change, but the same amount was needed again to reach the projected total cost of $5.5 million, or around £4 million.
So far, Palm Beach County representatives are refusing to cover the shortfall and say local taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill.
Joseph Abruzzo, county executive. he told the Miami Herald More funding was needed from the state led by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“With $2,750,000 we will be able to make basic and necessary changes to the signs. But for full-scale signage, we will need the other half of those funds from the state,” Mr. Abruzzo told the Herald.
There are traffic signs, but it has been reported that other signs have not changed yet (Image: Getty)
Donald TrumpWhen the new name was announced on July 9, his son Eric was the first person to land at the airport.
According to the DJT airport website: “The State of Florida allocated $2.75 million to the project.
“The remaining costs will be funded through the Department of Airports’ operating budget and capital improvement program.”
The statement added that “no local property tax dollars” will be used to operate President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
Local county commissioner Joel Flores, who voted against the airport’s trademark change, said funding for any changes should fall “solely” on the state.
He added: “We’ve also heard that they might send some dollars federally, but I haven’t seen any bill or budget that addresses that. So until I see the money in the bank, I wouldn’t count on that.”
“As with any facility of this size, it would be impractical to list every single sign or area, whether updated or not yet updated,” said Rebeca Krogman, public information officer for the Palm Beach airports department.
“We have begun updating all digital touchpoints, including the airport’s website, social media platforms and digital signage within the terminal. Temporary signage is also being used throughout campus to accommodate the installation of permanent signage, including the large welcome sign on Turnage Boulevard.”
“Our intention is to pursue these improvements through the airport’s normal budgeting process, primarily using existing external funding sources, such as the recent government allocation for signage upgrades, while actively pursuing additional opportunities, including statutory grants and grant funding.”
