b'TERMINALSSRQ11The board approved the Concourse A project in JanuaryAnna Maria Oyster Bar and Patricks 1481 as well as Peets 2022, and 19 months later, it was complete. The rapid timelineCoffee/Sarasota to Go. For the first time, we have a lot of local was necessary to keep pace with SRQs dramatic increase inrestaurants that are participating, Piccolo comments. passenger traffic.So thats another benefit, not just for the local business Given the projects tight schedule, SRQ used a constructioncommunity, but the passengers who live here and know that manager-at-risk model to allow bidding and construction tobrand. The additional concessions in Concourse A will also begin before the design was finished. The approach allowedrelieve congestion and capacity issues that had existed in early procurement of long-lead items like electrical gear, HVACConcourse B.systems and boarding ramps, to help prevent major delays. Because the new facility does not include jet bridges, the airport opted for ADA-compliant boarding ramps from Passenger Amenities Timberline GSE instead of stairs to ensure that all passengers, The expansion adds five new gatesbringingincluding those with mobility challenges, can board and deplane SRQ to 18 total. In addition to enhancedeasily. Piccolo notes that Allegiant Air and other carriers using seating, the new facility includes a nursing roomConcourse A might also supplement the ramps with loading for mothers, relief areas for service animalsstairs at the rear of their aircraft to expedite boarding and and family/companion restrooms with adultdeplaning for passengers with full mobility. changing tables. Starting from scratch, weMARK STUCKEYwere able to incorporate those into the designMaking Connectionsso they are seamless, and its very nice, remarks Mark Stuckey,Arora Engineers extended fiber optic and copper backbones executive vice president and chief of staff for the Airport Authority.for the Airport Authority and TSA networks from the existing Concourse A also features an upgraded selection of foodtelecommunications rooms in the terminal to the new Concourse A and beverage concessions, including regional favorites likeground boarding facility. AirportImprovement.comMarch | April 2025'