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Wakulla County asks FDOT to take lead on county airport, approves $397,248 engineering authorization
Summary
The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners approved sending a letter to the Florida Department of Transportation asking FDOT to assume ownership/operation/maintenance of the county airport and approved a work authorization for engineering services tied to state reimbursement.
The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter to the Florida Department of Transportation asking FDOT to maintain ownership, operation and maintenance of the Wakulla County Airport and approved an engineer work authorization for $397,248.20 to support design and studies.
County staff told the board the board’s letter would allow FDOT to “step in” and, if the department moves forward, to use the department’s capital program and JSEP funding to cover acquisitions and studies necessary to widen or otherwise advance the airport. The staff presentation said the county would initially pay invoices to the consultant and that FDOT would reimburse the county under its program.
The action covers two linked agenda items: approval of the letter to FDOT asking the department to move forward with airport ownership/maintenance, and a separate work authorization (number 2506) for consulting design and engineering services totaling $397,248.20. Staff said the engineer will not begin work until FDOT has placed funds into the JSEP program and authorized work; the arrangement is described as cost-reimbursement to the county.
Commissioners asked whether the county would be financially committed if the state declined to proceed; staff replied the county would not be on the hook unless the state moved forward and authorized the funds. Both motions passed on voice votes, recorded as 5-0.
Why it matters: County staff said the steps are intended to show commitment to FDOT and enable state-led studies and acquisitions needed for airport improvements, including potential widening. The county’s ability to recover the initial engineering costs depends on FDOT approving and funding the work through its capital program and the JSEP mechanism.
The board’s approvals were limited to sending the letter and authorizing the engineering contract; no transfer of ownership or final funding commitments by FDOT were recorded in the meeting minutes.
