Submitted By: Matthew Grow
presenter
Presentation By: Matthew Grow
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Department: Aviation
FORMAL TITLE:
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Resolution 2026-53 to accept a Federal Aviation Administration Contract Tower Competitive Grant for the rehabilitation and equipment replacement of the Ocala International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower in the amount of $220,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Ocala International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) provides an important safety and operational function for aircraft operating at the Airport. The existing tower and associated equipment require rehabilitation and replacement of aging components to maintain reliable operations and support the continued safe operation of the facility.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program provides funding for the rehabilitation, modernization, replacement, and improvement of airport-owned air traffic control towers and related equipment.
The FAA has awarded the City of Ocala a Contract Tower Competitive Grant in the amount of $220,000 for the Federal Contract Tower ATCT Rehabilitation and Equipment Replacement project. The project includes various ATCT upgrades and associated design, installation, engineering, and administrative costs.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• This grant is for the rehabilitation and replacement of equipment associated with the Airport's Air Traffic Control Tower.
• The FAA Contract Tower Competitive Grant provides 100 percent federal funding, with no City matching funds required; however, the cost, based on estimates, is approximately $245,994. The $25,994 difference will be paid from the Airport Fund Balance.
• The FAA has awarded the City $220,000 for the project.
• The project will improve the reliability and continued operation of the Airport's ATCT infrastructure and equipment.
• Staff requests that the City Council accept the FAA grant and authorize the City Council President to execute the FAA grant agreement and related documents.
• The Airport Advisory Board supports the project.
• Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The FAA Contract Tower Competitive Grant provides 100 percent federal funding for eligible project costs; therefore, no City matching funds are required. However, the project costs are estimated to exceed the grant amount. The Airport will fund the project overage, if necessary. A budget resolution to appropriate the grant funds and to include the Airport’s share will be brought to Council at a later date. The grant funds will be tracked using account number 341-060-756-542-54-31010.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
This resolution will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny
RESOLUTION 2026-53
A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION CONTRACT TOWER COMPETITIVE GRANT FOR THE REHABILITATION AND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT OF THE OCALA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $220,000
WHEREAS, the Federal Aviation Administration has provided a grant offer to participate in the Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program for the rehabilitation and equipment replacement of the Ocala International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower in an amount not to exceed $220,000; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Aviation Administration Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program provides 100 percent federal funding for eligible project costs and does not require a local match; and
WHEREAS, the grant funds will be used for eligible costs associated with the rehabilitation and replacement of equipment at the Ocala International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, in regular session duly assembled that the City Council President is hereby authorized to make, execute, and deliver to the Federal Aviation Administration Federal Grant Agreement #3-12-0055-039-2026.
This resolution adopted this ______ day of ______________________, 2026.
ATTEST: CITY OF OCALA
By: By:
Angel B. Jacobs Ire J. Bethea Sr.
City Clerk President, Ocala City Council
Approved as to form and legality:
By: _________________________________
William E. Sexton
City Attorney