Site work, paving, outdoor lighting and new construction of a mixed-use development in Clearwater, Florida. Design plans call for site work for a water / sewer project; transportation facility; for paving for a transportation facility; for outdoor lighting for a transportation facility; and for the construction of a transportation facility.

Project Overview Location: St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is planning a taxiway connector to a 130-acre former golf course, known as the Airco site, adjacent to the airport's existing runways. The Airco site, closed as a golf course in 2011, is county-owned and is the largest undeveloped parcel in Pinellas County--poised for aeronautical development. St Pete Catalyst +1 Scope & Site Conditions Taxiway necessity: A taxiway system is required to enable any future aeronautical use of the Airco site. Zoning: The property is currently zoned for office and industrial use. St Pete Catalyst Funding & Infrastructure Plan Federal funding request: Airport officials plan to request nearly $12 million in federal funding to amend zoning and build a new connection taxiway (Taxiway D), replacing an existing Taxiway G3. Specifically, they are applying for about $11.95 million through the FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Total taxiway project cost: Estimated at $14.96 million, accounting for post-pandemic price increases in materials (asphalt, lighting, pipes, grading, signage...). Additional infrastructure funding: Seeking $2.2 million in state funds (Florida DOT) to design and construct taxiways connecting Airco to the airport. Applied for $10 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support utilities and site infrastructure (telecom, lift stations, power, sanitary sewer, stormwater ponds). Combined with local matching (ARP funds), forms part of a $25-30 million infrastructure initiative. Project timeline: Environmental assessment already completed. FDOT funds and PFC grants to follow; infrastructure design and improvements slated to start in fall (likely after grant approvals) via a competitive RFP for design firms. St Pete Catalyst Confirmed Scope & Use Confirmed components: Construction of Taxiway D (main new connector) and relocation of Taxiway G3. Infrastructure upgrades including telecommunications, stormwater, sanitary sewer, power, lift stations. Intended uses: Aeronautical: connectivity for aviation operations (e.g., hangars, air cargo, MRO, flight schools). Non-aviation: intends to support office, industrial, and possibly retail and hotel uses, per site concept plans. St Pete Catalyst A 2020-ish analysis cited capability for 354,000 sf of aviation buildings, supporting 787-885 jobs; plus 863,900 sf of office, light industrial/flex, manufacturing (199k, 264.9k, 400k sf respectively), potentially adding ~2,000 direct jobs. Summary Table Category Details Site 130-acre Airco site (former golf course, adjacent to airport) Project New Taxiway D, relocation of Taxiway G3, infrastructure upgrades Cost Taxiway: $14.96 M; Overall infrastructure: $25-30 M Funding Sources FAA AIP ($11.95 M), FDOT ($2.2 M), Florida Job Growth (~$10 M + match) Status Environmental assessment complete; funding requests submitted; design stage to begin after grants via RFP later this year Intended Use Aeronautical (aviation operations) + office/industrial + potential retail and hotel Site Analysis Can support 354k sf aviation; ~864k sf non-aviation space; ~2,000 jobs What is not stated (and thus excluded): Project value for eventual aviation/non-aviation buildings--only square footage, no cost estimates. Developers or tenant names aside from general user types. Ownership details beyond county control. Airport director quotes or timing beyond general grant schedules. This summary is strictly based on the content of the Aug 13, 2025 article and embedded materials, with no outside information added. In May, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved a $14.33 million contract with New York-based C&S Cos. to design the project. Opportunities for those interested in wanting to work on the project will emerge in 2025, according to the airport. The expansion project includes adding a gate, passenger holding room, and seven passenger jet bridges. It will also expand the baggage make-up area, add additional concession vendors and restrooms and consolidate two TSA checkpoints. The project scope includes the new construction of 7 passenger bridges, baggage area expansion, 1 new gate, a passenger waiting area, the renovations to join 2 safety checkpoints, a new taxiway to parallel to Runway 18-36, airfield access to a future aviation-related tenant, grading, drainage, airfield electrical signage and lighting, asphalt pavement and floodplain mitigation. Scope details have not been finalized. As of August 9, 2024 the project is in design stage. Design began in July 2024. An architect has been chosen. The construction manager at risk award is planned to be made in November 2024. The general contractor bid has not yet been scheduled. The design engineer has been chosen. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2025.