The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on significant developments regarding the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), particularly concerning infrastructure upgrades and lease amendments.
The meeting commenced with a resolution authorizing the airport commission to accept and expend a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant of up to $31 million for the International Terminal Building Roof Upgrade Project. This grant is part of the competitive funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021, aimed at addressing aging terminal infrastructure. The project, which has been necessitated by significant leaks during recent storms, will involve replacing the roof membrane, waterproofing systems, and exterior steel beams, as well as installing solar panels expected to generate up to 2,000 megawatts of power annually.
Kathy Widener from SFO presented the details of the grant and the associated project, emphasizing the urgency due to the roof's end of life. The total project budget is estimated at $90 million, with the FAA grant covering a substantial portion. The resolution also allows for an additional 15% in grant funds, potentially increasing the total to approximately $35.65 million if awarded.
Following this, the meeting addressed a resolution for Amendment Number 3 to the International Terminal Food and Beverage lease, which involves the removal of one restaurant facility. This change will reduce the total leasehold square footage by about 43% while maintaining a minimum annual guarantee of approximately $1.1 million.
Public comments were invited, allowing community members to express their views on the discussed items. The meeting concluded with an open floor for public engagement, highlighting the county's commitment to transparency and community involvement in significant infrastructure decisions.
Overall, the meeting underscored the county's proactive approach to enhancing airport facilities and ensuring sustainable operations through federal funding and strategic lease management.