Hurricanes Helene and Milton wrought extensive damage, including Tropicana Field and, St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted Airport, which has selected four consulting and design firms to oversee extensive repairs and improvements. The evaluation committee, originally planning to choose three firms, expanded their selection due to widespread storm damage that included compromised lighting systems, runway erosion, and collapsed hangars.

“Airfield lighting, pavement rehab, and hangar construction are the big three priorities,” says Airport Manager Rich Lesniak. “The potential runway extension is the biggest project of all.”

American Infrastructure Development (AID) emerged as the top-ranked firm with a score of 78, impressing evaluators with their experience in environmental impact assessment and grant procurement. The Tampa-based company’s previous success with hangar reconstruction at the airport and its expertise in handling complex water quality issues proved particularly valuable.

The other selected firms are:

• Mohsen Design Group (75.9)
• Michael Baker International (68.1)
• Airport Design Consultants (62.6)

Over the next four years, these firms will tackle numerous projects including:

• Storm damage repairs and hurricane hardening
• Environmental assessments and mitigation
• Infrastructure development and modernization
• Advanced air mobility accommodation
• Security system upgrades
• Carbon footprint reduction initiatives
• Operational efficiency improvements

The scope of work encompasses 32 aspects, with environmental evaluations and storm-hardening projects taking priority. The city is also exploring additional funding sources to address storm-related costs.

“Given recent events, having four firms provides needed flexibility,” notes civil engineer Gregory Ashey. The extensive damage has prompted officials to reconsider the airport’s resilience strategy while maintaining focus on future developments, including accommodation for electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs).