San Joaquin County officials will consider a $28.5 million five-year plan for major improvements to Stockton Metropolitan Airport, aimed at supporting existing as well as additional passenger service in the future.

One major component of that plan is construction of a U.S. Customs inspection station that would accommodate additional flights. A similar project was proposed nearly a decade ago but rejected by the county Board of Supervisors in 2007 as too expensive.

Harry Mavrogenes, deputy county administrator and interim airport director, said his proposal covers needed upgrades and renovation of airport facilities, such as runways, lighting and signage. But it would also allow the airport to accommodate many more passengers.

“As we develop air services here, which is a high priority, we also have to make sure our facilities are adequate to handle that service,” he said Thursday.

Read Friday’s Record for more on this story by staff write Reed Fujii.