TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) – Construction crews at Tampa International Airport this week began work on infrastructure that would allow the airport to install a temporary 9-foot AquaFence around two airfield electrical vaults during a hurricane.
The vaults power lighting across the airfield, which is critical for aircraft operations — especially after dark — and could help the region recover after a major storm, according to TPA.
The airport said the vaults are susceptible to flooding during hurricanes that are Category 3 or higher. The planned barrier would protect the buildings up to a Category 4 storm.
The $1.9 million project includes foundations for the barrier, electrical and drainage improvements, fencing and pumps to help keep storm surge away from the buildings.
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The barriers will remain in storage at TPA until needed. The airport said a contracted emergency response team could install them around the vaults in about eight to 12 hours.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport said it has not needed similar flood barriers. A spokesperson for the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority said SRQ sits about 30 feet above mean sea level and has not had flooding issues that would require them.
“Our master drainage system moves water off the airfield into ponds and canals that go directly to the bay,” the airport said.
SRQ said hurricanes Helene and Milton caused only light flooding on some ramp paved surfaces, and that water drained quickly.
TPA’s project comes as Florida moves through another hurricane season and airports across the region prepare for potential storm impacts.
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