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FAA approves OIA expansion plan

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Federal Aviation Administration has approved an Orlando International Airport request to construct a new intermodal center and people mover, as well as future airport expansion.

U.S. Rep. John Mica announced the approval Friday. The central Florida congressman says the approval will allow the airport to generate over $396 million. Passenger revenue collected for the transportation hub is expected to finance future airport expansion.

Mica says the 35 million passengers OIA accommodates annually far exceeds the 24 million it's designed for.

Gov. Rick Scott previously committed nearly $214 million of state money to the project.

A key part of the project would use the new hub to link the Orlando airport with the private All Aboard Florida rail line that will run from South Florida to central Florida. It is expected to begin service by 2016.