Submitted By: Matthew Grow
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Presentation By: Matthew Grow
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Department: Aviation
FORMAL TITLE:
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Budget Resolution 2026-151 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to appropriate $178,558 in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration and transfer a match of $9,398 from the Airport reserve for projects account to design taxiway-A Holding Bay for a total cost of $187,956
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable, 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 efficiently during periods of high activity.
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 ...
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