Airport study outlines infield infrastructure needs and a phased plan; EDA and state grants identified as potential funding sources

Hernando County staff and consultants presented an infield infrastructure development plan Aug. 12 for Brooksville'Tampa Bay Regional Airport. The study maps utility, roadway and drainage needs in the airport's midfield development area and provides a prioritized, phased list of improvements intended to support future hangar, cargo, and non-aeronautical development.

What staff said: Andrew Johns, airport project lead, said the plan evaluated land use and utility requirements and produced a hybrid preferred alternative that balances hangar sites, maintenance facilities, solar feasibility and advanced-air mobility landing sites. Consultant Michael Baker International presented the phased implementation schedule and cost estimates and noted funding sources where the projects could be eligible for state or federal share (examples cited included FAA, state economic-development funds and the U.S. Economic Development Administration).

Key points from the study: - Study area: the airport midfield bounded by the active runways and Sergeant Lee Mills Boulevard; circulation and access improvements are shown to support future tenants. - Phasing: short-term (0-5 years) projects focus on taxiway conversions and enabling infrastructure; mid- and long-term phases add utilities, drainage ponds and site preparation for hangars. - Funding eligibility: staff said many roadway and utility projects may be eligible for 50%-80% grant share from state and federal programs; the team highlighted one active EDA grant application on which staff are working (about $17 million is being sought for taxiway conversion/site work). - Costs: the plan shows costed site-preparation and stormwater projects; consultants escalated short-term costs more aggressively to reflect recent construction-market conditions.

Why it matters: Airport infield infrastructure is a key enabler for aviation‑oriented development that creates jobs and taxable activity. Staff said having a prioritized, engineered plan improves the county's competitiveness when applying for grants.

Next steps: Airport staff will continue grant applications, refine project cost estimates and return with a recommended funding strategy. Commissioners asked staff to assess borrowing scenarios and grant timelines before committing to sizable local matches.

Provenance: Airport presentation and consultant remarks began with Andrew Johns at roughly the meeting segment beginning 11:51 a.m. and continued through the consultants' overview and Q&A.