The Charlotte County Airport Authority announced $3 million was approved in the state budget for a new combined hangar and classroom facility for Charlotte Technical College’s Federal Aviation Administration-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician School. A larger training facility at Punta Gorda Airport is necessary to meet the aviation industry’s demand for aircraft mechanics. The new hangar facility is planned to have four classrooms to accommodate up to 100 students at a time. It will be located within the airport’s new aviation expansion area known as the PGD AviEx. This location will streamline on-the-job training as the area becomes a hub for avionics and aircraft maintenance businesses. CCAA is planning to construct the facility and enter into a long-term lease with Charlotte County Public Schools to occupy and maintain the facility.