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Aviation board hears progress updates on runway extension EA, fuel farm replacement and airport master planning
Summary
Citrus County staff reported timetable changes to the Crystal River runway extension environmental assessment, bids and schedules for a new fuel farm, AEGIS survey work to restore an RNWY 09 LNAV/VNAV approach, and several development projects including Avernus Business Park and an Inverness corporate hangar lease.
Citrus County aviation staff briefed the Aviation Advisory Board on several major capital projects, including an extended timeline for the Crystal River runway environmental assessment (EA), a multi-million-dollar fuel farm replacement at Crystal River, AEGIS survey work to restore an RNWY 09 LNAV/VNAV approach, and other development projects across both airports.
Todd Regan, aviation project manager, said the projected date for completion of the Crystal River EA is Sept. 9, 2026, about six months later than previously expected. He attributed the delay to additional FAA review time, staffing constraints and legal review, and said staff is preparing other procurement steps so construction can proceed quickly once the EA reaches a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
On fuel infrastructure, Regan reported a current budget figure “a little over $2,100,000,” up from an earlier estimate of roughly $800,000. He said the contract bids reflected rising costs and that the fuel farm construction is scheduled with completion cited as "June 26" in project materials; he anticipated the fuel farm will be down for five to six months during replacement and that staff is seeking temporary fuel-storage solutions to maintain operations.
Regan also described an AEGIS (aeronautical survey) schedule intended to allow the FAA to reestablish Runway 09 LNAV/VNAV approach procedures at Crystal River. The survey crew had been delayed but was expected to begin the following week, with project completion targeted by July (year not specified in materials). Regan and board members clarified that the effort is to reestablish the RNWY 09 LNAV/VNAV approach, not to create a completely new runway approach.
Other project updates included Avernus Business Park phase 2, out for bid with a tentative groundbreaking around Nov. 12 pending bid results; an executed lease for an Inverness corporate hangar with Livewire Aviation as the tenant and rent collection expected to begin in Q1 2027; and progress on the Inverness master plan with completion scheduled by December.
Why it matters: These capital projects shape airport capacity, approach procedures and tenant services over several years and involve federal and state approvals as well as significant budget allocations.
Ending: Staff said they will continue coordinating with FAA and FDOT on schedules, proceed with designer selection where allowed prior to FONSI, and seek short-term operational solutions to maintain fuel service while the fuel farm is replaced.
