TPA stands up new Aqua Fence flood barrier system

Tampa International Airport is putting the finishing touches on a new project designed for a (very) rainy day.

The Airport is wrapping up work that enables TPA to put up a temporary, 9-foot AquaFence system to protect two electrical vault buildings from flooding in case a hurricane threatens the region.

The pair of buildings, which sit next to Tampa Fire and Rescue's Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting station near Airside A, house the equipment that powers the airfield lighting system.

Airfield lighting is vital to keeping aircraft moving, especially after dark, and will be necessary to assist the region with recovery efforts. It also would help prevent costly repairs that would likely result from water intrusion or inundation.

The two electrical vaults are susceptible to flooding that would potentially occur from storm surge during a Category 3 hurricane or higher. The barrier panels would be erected in the event of a storm threatening Tampa Bay and stored safely the rest of the time.

"Tampa International Airport has faced the threats of hurricane season time and again, and the installation of this AquaFence system is a forward-thinking resilience solution to protect some of our most critical assets from storm surge," TPA Chief Development Officer Smitha Radhakrishnan said. "While we hope to avoid the need to deploy this barrier, TPA's role as vital infrastructure to the Tampa Bay region underscores why we must prioritize our operational resilience from such extreme climatic events."

The project includes foundations for the barrier; electrical and drainage improvements; fencing; and pumps to help keep water away from the buildings - even with the AquaFence keeping storm surge out, the pumps will divert heavy rainfall out of the protected area.

The 150 separate Clima Armour FloodWall panels that comprise the barrier system are made of steel, aluminum and laminated plywood, with UV-resistant and waterproof plastic membranes and gaskets that seal water out. They will snap together and be strapped to anchors in the concrete in advance of stormy weather.

The nine-foot barrier is the maximum height that manufacturer AquaFence makes.

"Flood protection should never be reactionary. True resilience comes from understanding your vulnerabilities and putting the right protections in place before a storm is on the horizon," said Patrik Hansson, President of AquaFence. "Tampa International Airport is demonstrating that foresight by protecting critical infrastructure that keeps the airport running. After a major storm, restoring airport operations is vital to regional recovery. This investment adds another layer of protection to help TPA stay operational or quickly get back up and running when the community needs it most."

The panels will stay in storage at TPA until needed, with a target to put them into place around the vaults by a contracted emergency response team at least 48 hours in advance of severe weather.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board selected construction company H.L. Pruitt Corp. as the contractor at its August 2025 meeting. The total cost of the work and materials is $1.9 million and is part of the Airport's Capital Budget.

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