Pensacola International Airport Awarded $425,000 BUILD Grant for Terminal Roadway Planning Study

Pensacola International Airport has been awarded a $425,000 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund a comprehensive planning study focused on the reconfiguration and expansion of the airport’s existing curbfront and roadway system.

Pensacola International Airport has experienced unprecedented growth over the last decade, with passenger activity increasing by more than 100 percent. As the airport continues to modernize and expand, the roadway network serving the terminal has faced increasing pressure, particularly during peak travel periods.

The BUILD-funded planning study will help identify long-term solutions to improve safety, traffic flow and operational efficiency throughout the airport’s roadway and curbfront system while preparing the airport for future growth. The study will include preliminary 30 percent design work focused on improvements to terminal access roads, passenger pick-up and drop-off areas, parking access, rental car circulation, outbound traffic flow and broader multimodal connectivity.

“As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m proud to help secure $425,000 for improvements to Airport Boulevard,” Congressman Jimmy Patronis said. “I want to thank Secretary Duffy and President Trump for recognizing the tremendous growth we’re seeing across the Panhandle and for helping move this project forward. This investment will improve the travel experience today while ensuring Pensacola International Airport is ready to meet the demands of Northwest Florida’s tomorrow.”

City leaders say the study will play an important role in supporting both the airport’s continued growth and the region’s long-term transportation needs.

“Our airport’s growth is a success story for our city and the region, and our terminal roadway infrastructure needs to keep up so that we can keep providing the service our residents and visitors deserve,” Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “We are so grateful to receive this BUILD Grant to help support the study needed to give us a blueprint to keep our airport humming.”

Airport officials say the study will help establish the framework for future roadway and curbfront improvements tied to the airport’s ongoing Terminal Expansion and Modernization Program.

“This grant is an important investment in the future of Pensacola International Airport and the Northwest Florida region,” Executive Director of Pensacola International Airport Matt Coughlin said. “As passenger traffic continues to grow and our Terminal Expansion and Modernization Program moves forward, it is critical that we proactively plan for a safer, more efficient and more intuitive roadway system that improves the experience for travelers and strengthens regional mobility.”

The City of Pensacola and Pensacola International Airport also extend sincere appreciation to Senator Ashley Moody for her support of the project and for providing a letter of support during the BUILD grant application process.

The planning study will serve as a foundational step in supporting the airport’s continued growth and long-term transportation needs while helping ensure Pensacola International Airport remains a safe, efficient and welcoming gateway to Northwest Florida for years to come.

For more information about Pensacola International Airport, please visit FlyPensacola.com.