Maine’s biggest construction project — the $75 million expansion of the Portland International Jetport — is well under way, and new facilities will be open to the public by fall.

But after the construction workers move on, the state can really expect to benefit economically from this crucial infrastructure development.

This project, financed by a stimulus grant and a $4.50 per ticket fee collected from travelers who use the city-owned facility, will double the capacity of the airport, opening the opportunity for more flights, more visitors, more business travel and more goods leaving the state.

The jetport expansion is exactly the kind of investment that should be made when construction costs and interest rates are low.

This project supports economic development long into the future.

While people tend to focus on how electronic communication has changed business, it doesn’t mean that people don’t need to move around.

Access to an airport has been key to the growth of Idexx, a major local employer, and an expanded jetport should fuel the growth of other area businesses. Also, a bigger airport with more flights could bring more visitors to the state, boosting the tourist industry.

An increase in world oil prices will likely increase ticket prices in the short run and may depress the number of travelers for a time.

But commercial aviation is still the least expensive way to travel long distances, and a modernized airport will be key to keeping Maine connected to the world.