CLT isn't going to add 72 new gates anytime soon. The article is an over-zealous teaser promoting the real story which will be announced on Monday, when the city releases a long-term plan for growth.
Orr wanted to build that fifth (fourth parallel) runway in his exuberance for CLT becoming as big as ATL. Dunno whether the city will approve that.
As to the new gates: last summer, CLT approved the 8-12 new domestic gates when it shelved the new international terminal that had earlier been planned.
WN has been asking for a couple more CLT gates for a long while, and other airlines might want an additional gate or two. If the AA hub at CLT contracts sometime following Dec 9, 2016 (when the 3-year promise to the state to maintain the pre-merger hub operations expires), then those 8-12 gates might even be surplus.
The city likes Brent Caigle, so they will listen closely to what he says... The bad blood between the airport and the counsel is pretty much over, Rodney got his cops in, downtown has been to the airport more since Orr has left than during his time there. The #2 guy has a fairly good relationship with counsel and manager, but does it really need the fourth runway. Maybe AA is selling them a promise they don't intend to keep or maybe their not. Things are slowly changing to AA standards, all the gate markings will switch to AA standards, ramp navigation is changing to sectional frequency changes and spot positions, even the hardstand is going to get changed to AA preferences even though they don't overnight as much as the other airlines...
"How Much of the Project Cost Does the Grant Cover?
For large and medium primary hub airports, the grant covers 75 percent of eligible costs (or 80 percent for noise program implementation). For small primary, reliever, and general aviation airports, the grant covers a range of 90-95 percent of eligible costs, based on statutory requirements."
"...What Types of Projects Are Eligible?
Eligible projects include those improvements related to enhancing airport safety, capacity, security, and environmental concerns. In general, sponsors can use AIP funds on most airfield capital improvements or repairs and in some specific situations, for terminals, hangars, and nonaviation development. Any professional services that are necessary for eligible projects such as planning, surveying, and design are eligible. Aviation demand at the airport must justify the projects, which must also meet Federal environmental and procurement requirements."
Increased operating costs of a larger airport are not covered by AIP, but the cost of the improvement project is usually 75% in the form of a reimburseable agreement.