U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and U.S. Congressman Charlie Crist announced St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) was awarded a total of $19.75 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant funds, including $11.58 million in Discretionary Funds and $8.16 million in Entitlement Funds, for the rehabilitation of its primary runway 18-36. PIE received $900,000 from the Florida Department of Transportation for the project design and construction and the airport is committing $3.43 million to the project’s $24.1 million total cost. The acceptance of the FAA grant is scheduled for the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners agenda on Sep. 24.
The project includes the asphalt pavement rehabilitation and new edge lighting and is expected to be complete by Spring 2021. Runway rehabilitation is essential to safe operations at the airport due to weathering and cracking over time. “I am glad to see the FAA award this $19 million grant for the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport,” Senator Rubio said. “As airports across the state of Florida continue to experience incredible growth, I will remain committed to ensuring that the federal government supports Florida’s aviation infrastructure needs.”
“St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is a vital economic engine for our region and keeps tourism thriving in Pinellas County,” said Congressman Crist. “Local businesses, residents, and travelers all benefit from these federal dollars to assist PIE with their important expansion and modernization projects.”
Airport Director Tom Jewsbury adds, “PIE generates over $1.04 billion in runway-dependent economic impact annually. The $11.58 million is the largest competitively awarded Discretionary Grant in PIE's history. As we continue to break passenger records year after year, first and foremost are safe operations at PIE. The airport continues to do an excellent job in managing its capital programs and maximizing its financial sustainability. We appreciate Senator Rubio’s and Congressman Crist’s leadership in securing these funds.”
