Submitted By: Matthew Grow
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Presentation By: Michael Baker
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Department: Aviation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Adopt Resolution 2025-28 accepting Public Transportation Grant Agreement FM#438477-1-94-01 with the Florida Department of Transportation for Taxiway C construction funds in the amount of $600,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
October 3, 2023, the City of Ocala approved Resolution 2024-1, accepting a $324,017 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) (FM# 453812-1-94-01) for an environmental assessment of Taxiway C (TWY-C) at Ocala International Airport (OCF). The assessment was initially intended to support the development of a proposed multi-use aviation facility utilizing aircraft larger than those currently serving the airport; however, following the developer’s default and subsequent lease termination, the assessment was no longer required, and the City was given permission from FDOT to proceed directly to the design of the taxiway.
Despite the change in development plans, and in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and FDOT, the City successfully reallocated the grant funding to support the design phase of TWY-C improvements and a Task Work Order is in progress for design work.
The need for this project is underscored by sustained regional population growth, the continued expansion of the World Equestrian Center, and a marked increase in based aircraft and operational activity in 2024 and 2025. These trends emphasize the critical role of TWY-C in meeting future capacity demands and supporting the long-term growth of the Airport.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• A Task Work Order with Infrastructure, Consulting and Engineering, PLLC (ICE) for the design phase is in progress, operating under an existing general consulting agreement (AIR/220118), dated July 20, 2022.
• Subsequent FDOT grant funding for construction has become available.
• The Airport Advisory Board has expressed its support for the project.
• The project is consistent with the Airport Master Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
An accompanying budget resolution will be provided in a future meeting.
FDOT Grant: $600,000 341-050-726-542-69-65010
LOCAL Share: $150,000 451-027-726-542-69-65010
TOTAL Project: $750,000
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
This Agreement has been reviewed and approved for compliance with the City’s procurement policies.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement has been reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with amendments
• Deny
• Table
RESOLUTION 2025-28
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GRANT AGREEMENT FM#438477-1-94-01 BETWEEN THE CITY OF OCALA AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR TAXIWAY C CONSTRUCTION FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $600,000
WHEREAS, the Taxiway C project is in the design phase; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has awarded grant funding in the amount of $600,000 to construct phase 1 of the Taxiway C project; and
WHEREAS, under this Public Transportation Grant Agreement, the City’s matching obligation is $150,000 from the Airport reserve for projects account.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, in regular session duly assembled as follows: that the City Council President is hereby authorized to make, execute, and deliver to the State of Florida Department of Transportation the Public Transportation Grant Agreement FM# 438477-1-94-01.
This resolution adopted this ______ day of ______________________, 2025.
ATTEST: CITY OF OCALA
By: By:
Angel B. Jacobs Kristen M. Dreyer
City Clerk President, Ocala City Council
Approved as to form and legality:
By: _________________________________
William E. Sexton
City Attorney