County staff recommend terminal modernization at St. Pete–Clearwater, project valued at $145M

Mark Sprague, airport director, told commissioners the earlier expansion concept exceeded available funding and the airport paused to reassess. "The process resulted in the program before you today called the Terminal Modernization, Renovation and strategic expansion," he said, describing a 14-element program to modernize aging infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and preserve flexibility for future growth.

Sprague said the program is valued at $145,000,000 with over $95,000,000 on hand and over $56,000,000 committed. Key elements include a new conceptual drawing to expand capacity in the current footprint to as much as 4.5 million passengers, a 40,000-square-foot elevated terminal option with 4–5 new jet bridges, renovations of sanitary and baggage systems, new queuing and kiosk areas, replacement of aging jet bridges and roofs, and improved wayfinding. He emphasized the complexity of phasing work while keeping the airport fully operational and estimated concept/schematic design milestones through 2028 and construction to a planned closeout around 2032.

Commissioners pressed operational details — turnaround times, gate efficiency, office and ground-handling space and where new staffing would be accommodated. Sprague said the plan includes modest staffing growth tied to operations and that some infrastructure changes (for example, expanded baggage makeup areas and new jetways) are designed to reduce aircraft-turn times and improve attractiveness to additional airlines.