After nearly 10 years in the making, the US Border Control and Customs Facility at Martin County Airport/Witham Field (Stuart, FL) is officially open to travelers. It is the first intermodal clearance facility of its kind constructed in Florida. Prior to the facility’s opening, international travelers had to use customs facilities in Fort Pierce or West Palm Beach. This new 3,210 square foot facility processes international travelers arriving in Martin County via aircraft and marine vessels. User fees range from $12/mariner to $500/heavy jet providing additional revenue for the facility to cover the cost of operational expenses.
In addition to our staff, many local, state and federal officials attended the facility’s groundbreaking ceremony in August 2017 after the county commissioners voted to apply for and received a $1.6 million (80%) Florida Department of Transportation Aviation grant to offset the cost of the facility. According to the County’s 2019 budget, they are anticipating the operational cost to be $245,000 which includes the cost of its employee who will assist in collecting fees, providing customer service, maintaining the facility, and aiding US Customs and Border Protection.
The aesthetic design of the building, concrete block and stucco finish with standing seam metal roof on pre-engineered wood trusses, was intended to complement the new Administration Building currently in design and located adjacent to this facility. Hoyle, Tanner was responsible for developing the conceptual and preliminary design of the facility and followed by construction management services. We also designed the associated site work including an additional 2 handicap and 14 general parking spaces as well as ADA compliant sidewalks and landscaping improvements.
