Okaloosa County approves $16.6 million baggage claim expansion to increase capacity at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
Destin, Florida – Those using Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport could anticipate a significant enhancement in the near future. With an eye toward improving the whole customer experience, the $16.6 million expansion project recently approved by the Okaloosa County Commission focuses on the baggage claim area of the airport.
Tracy Stage, the Airport Director, went over the plans calling for extending almost 14,724 square feet to the eastern end of the current terminal. The project will also remodel a 12,732 square foot existing area. Along with raising capacity, this growth will help baggage handling be more efficient.
After completion, there will be twice as many baggage carousels—from two to four. This renovation will greatly increase passenger flow, therefore enabling 360-degree access around every carousel and more effective distribution of passengers across the baggage claim area. The improvements are scheduled to update the airport’s infrastructure and handle the rising passenger volume.
Along with relocated airline baggage offices, the expanded facility will have new rental car office spaces and extra room for wheelchairs and bags. But the upgrades are not stopping there. New overhead LED signage, a better HVAC system, and increased emergency generator capacity on the agenda to support both the current and new equipment.
Rycon Construction Inc., hired for $14.567 million, came out as the lowest bidder among three candidates with a bid that was 17% below the original project cost. Handling the construction has proved challenging. To monitor the building process, the Okaloosa County Commission also approved a $1.071 million contract with Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering.
Grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), passenger fees, and customer facility charges among other sources will finance this large-scale endeavor. The airport itself plans to provide matching money valued $1.017 million.
With a predicted 450 days duration, construction is set to start following the height of summer travel season. This schedule guarantees least disturbance during the heaviest travel season and a seamless transition to improved amenities later on.
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This project demonstrates a great commitment to upgrade infrastructure and services at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, therefore strengthening its status as a major regional hub and improving the travel experience for passengers.
