The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board this week approved a 2014 capital budget amendment that will result in spending $928 million on the first phase of projects spelled out in its new master plan.
The first phase includes $417.5 million for an automated people mover, $318.7 million for a consolidated rental car center, and $122.5 million for the expansion of the main terminal and other roadway and facility improvements at Tampa International (TPA).
The terminal expansion portion of the project includes creating outdoor-indoor decks on the outer east and west sides of the terminal; building an entrance to the consolidated rental car center, where the current smoking and observation deck is located; and creating more open space near the shuttle lobbies and shopping areas.
“This is a significant step toward making our 20-year vision for Tampa International Airport a reality, as well as putting thousands of people to work and contributing to the Tampa Bay region’s economy,” says Joe Lopano, CEO. “These initial projects will help us decongest roadways and curbsides, allow rental car companies to grow and begin to set the stage for the doubling of passenger capacity projected over the next couple of decades.”
The board approved the master plan in April. Projects will be funded through bonds, grants and public/private partnerships.
