Despite cost overruns and recent resignations of two key managers, city officials said Wednesday that all is well, so far, with a major expansion of the airport.

They then grabbed shovels and flung dirt to kick off construction of a $46 million parking garage, the first of several expensive projects starting this year at San Antonio International Airport.

The five-story garage will add 2,800 spaces -- 1,600 by Christmas and the rest late next year.

"A major city needs a major airport," Mayor Phil Hardberger said.

And a major airport needs major funding.

Work is also set to begin this year on a $101 million, eight-gate terminal and a $38 million extension of an elevated roadway in front of passenger terminals.

The roadway will open next year, but the terminal, more than a year behind schedule because of negotiations with airlines, might not open until 2015. (SEE CORRECTION)

Add another new terminal, airfield improvements, noise insulation for nearby homes, expansion of Stinson Municipal Airport and other projects through 2015 and the total comes to $653 million, which will be paid by airport users.