Submitted By: Matthew Grow
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Presentation By: Matthew Grow
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Department: Aviation
FORMAL TITLE:
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Resolution 2026-44 to accept a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement grant to design Taxiway A Holding Bay in the amount of $178,558
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Ocala International Airport (OCF) currently does not have a designated area where aircraft can safely wait during temporary delays caused by weather or air traffic. As a result, aircraft often wait on taxiways that are also used by other aircraft traveling to and from the runway, creating congestion during busy periods.
A holding bay functions much like a highway pull-off lane. It allows aircraft that are waiting to move out of the primary traffic path while remaining ready for departure. This improves safety, keeps taxiways clear, and allows the airport to accommodate more aircraft during periods of high activity efficiently.
OCF recorded 105,065 aircraft operations in 2025, compared with 104,917 in 2024. Since 2016, annual operations have increased from 62,571 to more than 105,000. During peak periods, the airport regularly experiences approximately 50 aircraft movements per hour.
The FAA funds holding bay projects at airports with sufficient aircraft activity. Because OCF exceeds 75,000 annual aircraft operations, it qualifies for this funding.
This grant will fund the design of a new aircraft holding bay adjacent to Taxiway A. The holding bay will provide space for up to three aircraft to wait outside the primary taxiway, reducing congestion while maintaining efficient access to the runway. Completing the design is the first step toward future construction.
Airport staff requested FAA funding in late 2025 and submitted the formal grant application in June 2026. The FAA has offered to fund 95 percent of the design costs.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• Improves safety by providing aircraft with a dedicated waiting area outside active taxiways.
• Reduces congestion and improves aircraft movement during busy periods.
• Supports the airport's continued growth and increasing aircraft activity.
• Is supported by the Airport Advisory Board.
• Is consistent with the Airport Master Plan.
• Once the FAA grant is approved, staff will seek Florida Department of Transportation funding to reduce the City's local share.
• Staff recommends approval and requests that the City Council authorize the City Council President and City Attorney to execute the grant.
FISCAL IMPACT:
FAA Share: $178,558 341-060-727-542-54-31010
Airport Share: $9,398 451-027-727-542-54-31010
Total Cost: $187,956
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 2026-44
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE FEDERAL GRANT AGREEMENT #3-12-0055-037-2026 BETWEEN THE CITY OF OCALA AND THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION FOR THE DESIGN OF TAXIWAY-A AIRCRAFT HOLDING BAYS IN THE AMOUNT OF $178,558
WHEREAS, the Federal Aviation Administration has provided a grant offer to participate in 95 percent of the project costs associated with the design of Taxiway-A Holding Bays, with the FAA expense not to exceed $178,558; and
WHEREAS, funds for the City’s $9,398 match are available in the Airport's fund balance.
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 #3-12-0055-037-2026.
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