18
October
2022
|
15:06 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

TPA to host Nov. 16 public meeting about Airport’s 2022 Master Plan Update in Pinellas County

In an effort to ensure that the public stays informed about the Airport’s 2022 Master Plan Update (MPU) process and progress, TPA will host the second of three public meetings on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m. 

It will be held in the ballroom of the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement at 355 4th Street N in downtown St. Petersburg. Park in the museum parking garage and bring parking ticket for validation.

This meeting is for anyone interested in learning more about TPA’s 2022 Master Plan Update and to provide feedback to help inform this 2-year process. Attendees will see presentations from TPA CEO Joe Lopano and airport consultant Ricondo and Associates, which is leading the MPU process for TPA. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions.  

The Master Plan Update is part of a regular revalidation process prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) to analyze TPA’s overall capacity, operational and customer needs, as well as emerging industry trends. It helps Airport staff anticipate and prepare for future passenger and aircraft demand, prepare a strategy for cohesive development, maintain long-term financial sustainability and leverage state and federal funding sources. Ultimately, the MPU document provides Airport staff with a clear path forward for smart development and improvements.  

“As we continue to learn more about how growth projections will shape our future development at TPA, we know how important it is to keep our community informed and engaged about our plans,” TPA CEO Joe Lopano said. “These meetings are vital to ensure we all share the same vision of progress and innovation for both our Airport and the Tampa Bay region.”

TPA’s last full Master Plan launched in 2012, with an addendum completed in 2016. It was the backbone for the three-phase, multi-billion dollar expansion that followed. The expansion included the SkyConnect Automated People Mover system, a new rental car center, expansion of the Main Terminal transfer level, a reimagined concessions program featuring 70 new shops and restaurants, the new SkyCenter One office building, award-winning Blue Express Curbside Lanes, and a new Central Utility Plant. These projects are aimed at decongesting airport facilities and enabling demand-driven growth while preserving a cost-competitive structure for the Airport.  

Primary goals of the 2022 MPU include:

·         Creation of a new 20-year passenger forecast  

·         Reassessment of the Airside D program (The new $787 million terminal received approval by the Aviation Authority Board of Directors in September 2022. The project is scheduled to break ground in 2024 and be completed in 2027.)

·         Identification of new or emerging trends/technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and touchless technologies for passenger processing  

·         Assessment of TPA’s existing airfield capacity and analysis of whether runways and/or taxiways improvements may be needed  

·         Comprehensive assessment of the capacity needs and operational enhancements needed to support the growth and success of all business sectors operating at TPA 

The first 2022 MPU community outreach meeting was held on April 25 at Tampa International Airport.  The third and final MPU public meeting will take place in early 2023. 

The Nov. 16 meeting will also be offered virtually on Zoom. For the link to participate and more information about TPA’s 2022 Master Plan Update visit: https://www.tampaairport.com/master-plan/2022-update