State and federal funding continues to flow into St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport’s (PIE) long-awaited terminal expansion, a project that has nearly doubled in cost over the past year.

Pinellas County documents now estimate the expansion will cost between $180 million and $220 million, a significant increase from the $110 million initiative announced in January 2024.

On Tuesday, County Commissioners approved a $1.98 million amendment to an existing grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This additional funding for the ongoing design phase brings FDOT’s total contribution to $7.98 million.

“We’ve seen a 142% increase in growth over 11 years, so we have a lot of ideas,” said Yvette Aehle, PIE’s deputy director of finance and administration. “But as we design, we’re still determining the final costs.”

Passenger numbers at the county-owned airport have soared, from under a million in 2013 to a record-breaking 2.49 million in fiscal year 2023. An FDOT report that same year found PIE generated a $3.4 billion economic impact and supported 21,000 local jobs.

Despite its mid-sized status, PIE competes aggressively with larger airports. In April 2024, Executive Director Tom Jewsbury told commissioners that PIE remained debt-free while offering 64 direct flights—just shy of the 82 offered by the much larger Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Funding for infrastructure improvements continues to grow. PIE has secured $6 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and nearly $8 million from FDOT, with an additional $9.05 million from the airport itself—bringing the total design-phase funding to $23.03 million. Officials have also applied for a $4.9 million FAA grant, expected this summer.

However, the project still lacks a contractor. Commissioner Chris Scherer raised concerns about the pace of progress. Aehle explained that funding comes incrementally: “As we get funding, we apply it toward design.” The airport expects to begin schematic designs by 2026, with a final guaranteed maximum price set for summer 2026.

The expansion will address critical needs, including enhanced security screening and jet bridges to protect passengers from the elements. Gate areas will be enlarged, and charging stations will be installed. New jetways will allow direct terminal access, eliminating the need for passengers to walk outside and up ramps.

The FDOT grant will cover a wide range of costs, including consulting, design, permitting, construction, drainage, utilities, stormwater facilities, lighting, and landscaping. A site plan highlights a future apron edge taxiway C.

Beyond infrastructure, revenue streams continue to grow. Through April 2024, concession revenue was up 32%, while rental car services generate approximately $4.5 million annually.

Commission Chair Brian Scott noted that 15 million visitors came to Pinellas County in 2023. In response to increasing demand, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) launched “The Grouper,” an on-demand shuttle service between PIE and Clearwater Beach.

“We’re excited to introduce this new transit option,” Scott said. “It enhances accessibility, supports local tourism, and makes it easier for travelers to experience our world-famous beaches.”

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(Image credit: James Borchuck/PIE)

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