Airport project worth nearly $10M cleared for takeoff

ST. PETERSBURG — Pinellas County Commissioners approved the third phase of the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport renovation project.

The $9.8 million construction contract was given to Sarasota-based Artec Group, according to a statement.. Funding for the project will primarily come from passenger facility charges and will not impact the rates and charges paid by the airlines, the statement adds.

Renovations included in the project are:
• The addition of 12,000 square feet to gates seven through 10;
• The addition of 350 seats to the passenger waiting area;
• A new lane at the security checkpoint;
• Improvements to the news and gift shop and the concessions facilities;
• A new children's play area;
• Updated and expanded restroom facilities; and
• A new 350 HVAC chiller and mechanical control room

Construction on phase three is scheduled to begin in April and will be completed in 15 months, the statement says. St. Pete-Clearwater International is one of the fastest growing airports in the state, and posted a 16% year-over-year increase in passenger traffic in the first two months of 2016.