By B.C. Manion
Plans are in the works to lay the foundation for the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport to become a key player in the city’s economic future.
Mike Handrahan, airport manager for the city of Zephyrhills, said projects slated to be done in the next couple of years will prepare the way for increased traffic, while also becoming more attractive to the corporate jet market in the region.
Within the next 10 years or so, Handrahan expects the airport’s traffic to increase from about 50,000 landings and takeoffs a year now up to 80,000 to 100,000.
Before that can happen, though, the airport needs to upgrade its infrastructure, Handrahan said.
It already has projects lined up, and it has been actively seeking grants from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and the aviation division of the Florida Department of Transportation, the airport manager said. He credits Nathan Coleman, deputy airport manager, for diligently pursuing funding opportunities and for creating closer relationships between the city and these agencies.
This year, the airport will complete a $350,000 project to provide additional fencing, with the costs of the project being covered through a grant, Handrahan said. He added that next year, the airport will get started on making $4 million in improvements.
The project calls for improving Runway 422, the airport’s primary runway.
“From that project, we immediately move into overhauling airfield lighting and taxiways to better serve the airport,” Handrahan said. “Our focus for the next couple of years will be on what we call the airfield. … The upgrades are sorely needed.
“We have some pavement and we have some infrastructure that’s 70 years old — leftover military,” Handrahan continued. He added, “We’ll be updating that with various projects, especially runway repairs, striping, lighting, adding airfield-type lighting.”
Zephyrhills Municipal Airport was originally built as a U.S. military airfield in the 1940s during World War II. It sits on about 818 acres at 39450 South Ave.
“The city is committed to the general aviation community,” Handrahan said. “Over the next 10 years, there will be significant local, state and federal money spent on the airport.”
Upgrading the airport will make it ready to handle increased traffic as other general aviation airports that are closer to Tampa become more congested, Handrahan said.
The city’s airport is in a good location, Handrahan noted. It’s convenient to Wesley Chapel, north Tampa and I-75.
“In May of 2012, the airport was designated by the FAA as one of 467 out of 2,800 airports in the country with a regional impact,” Handrahan said.
Its prices are attractive, too, he added.
“Our cost structure is lower. We can offer the same value at a lower price. Right now, we’re right-sized. We’re very competitive,” Handrahan said.
Airport personnel have also been in discussion with the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce about using economic incentives to make the airport more attractive for businesses.
And, the city is also looking at a new terminal building to serve general aviation — not commercial airline — needs, Handrahan said.
“We’re looking at a new terminal building, with new ramp areas, refueling facilities,” Handrahan said.
“There’s an excellent future ahead for this airport, particularly with the regional impact,” Handrahan said. “We’re in the embryo stage, should we say. We’re trying to do all of the right things to help the airport grow.”
