The Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority, the owner of the airport, is planning to invest $22 million to update the airport’s terminal building. The design scheme features terrazzo flooring instead of tiles. The board has to resolve some issues such as, whether the project will be done in phases or in one go; who would design the project; and how it would be paid.
The current terminal building is in dire need of renovation. The facility, opened in 1989, now features worn carpeting, obsolete ceiling tiles, and energy inefficient lighting system – according to Rick Piccolo, SRQ’s president and chief executive. The building needs to get improved security, electrical, fire alarm and heating/cooling systems.
Piccolo proposed phased renovation of the terminal. Public rest rooms will be the first area to receive renovations. A majority of the overall costs will be funded from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants. The airport officials have selected firms to begin contract negotiations to design a proposed new air traffic control tower and a taxiway extension.
The airport is shared by both Manatee County for airfield and Sarasota County for terminal.
