The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners approved a $16.6 million expansion of the baggage claim area at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, marking a significant step in the airport’s growth strategy.
- The project will add approximately 14,724 square feet to the east end of the existing terminal and renovate 12,732 square feet of existing space, according to Tracy Stage, Airports Director for Okaloosa County.
“The Baggage Claim Expansion project at VPS is a pivotal project needed to keep up with continued growth,” Stage wrote in a memo. “The space, which houses rental car company customer service counters and inbound baggage claim, is the current pinch point inhibiting smooth airport operations.”
The expansion will double the number of baggage claim devices from two to four and increase passenger circulation space. The new claim units will be accessible 360-degrees around the carousel to spread passengers throughout the entire floor space and will be sloped plate units to increase capacity compared to the flat plate units.
The expansion project goes beyond just increasing baggage claim capacity. It will also double rental car office space, provide additional wheelchair and luggage cart storage, and relocate airline baggage storage offices.
- These changes are expected to create space for future expansion of airside restaurant capacity, according to the county. The project includes upgrades to HVAC equipment for the additional space and increased emergency generator capacity to support both existing and new equipment.
Furthermore, the existing baggage claim area will receive new finishes to match the expansion, along with the installation of overhead LED signs for the original claim units. Stage emphasized that the construction will be carefully phased to minimize disruption to ongoing airport operations, including maintaining baggage drop-off and rental car operations, while working around the active aircraft operating area to the south.
The board awarded a $14,567,777 construction contract to Rycon Construction, Inc., the lowest responsive bidder out of three. The company’s bid came in 17% below the engineer’s estimate for the project.
- “Rycon is new to the area and has an extensive background,” Stage noted. “They’ve covered all areas of construction in universities, healthcare, [and] airports.”
Additionally, the board approved a $1,071,064 contract with Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering, LLC for construction phase services.
Funding for the $16.6 million total project will come from multiple sources, including federal grants, passenger facility charges, and customer facility charges. The airport will contribute about $1 million in local matching funds.
“We’re excited to get this project going,” Stage said. “With the latest bid coming in very favorable with a qualified contractor, the time is now to begin expanding the east side of the terminal to better facilitate passengers traveling to VPS.”
Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, whose district includes the airport, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “This is a wonderful project. It’s much needed. We have grown our footprint to the place where we’re bursting at the seams,” she said.
- Ketchel also highlighted the fiscal responsibility of the county, stating, “Our airport is paid off. We live within our means. And not only that, but we have saved money, not only at the airport, but we have it in the bank.”
Construction is expected to take 450 days to reach final completion from the notice to proceed. Airport officials aim to begin site work towards the end of this year’s peak summer travel season.
The project has been in the airport’s terminal layout plan for several years and is now the highest priority to address capacity issues. Stage emphasized, “This is absolutely in line with our master plan. This has always been a plan.”
