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Okeechobee County approves FDOT/FAA grants and design contracts for airport projects
Summary
The board approved FDOT grants and work authorizations to fund a wildlife hazard assessment and a fuel‑farm expansion at Okeechobee County Airport; Avcon Inc. received design authorizations for both projects, largely grant‑funded and expected to carry no local share.
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners approved multiple airport grant agreements and design work authorizations at its Feb. 13 meeting to move forward with FAA/FDOT‑funded projects at the county airport.
Airport and Commerce Park Director John Ziricki explained that FDOT grant G3M93 will provide $6,750 to match FAA funding for a wildlife hazard assessment previously authorized by the FAA; the combined grant funding will fully fund the study, avoiding any local match. The board approved the FDOT agreement and related budget amendment and resolution.
In related action, the board authorized a lump‑sum work authorization with Avcon Inc. for professional design services on the wildlife hazard assessment in the amount of $132,000; the contract covers a 12‑month scope of work to inventory wildlife hazards, recommend mitigation and prepare a plan to address persistent wildlife risks at the airport.
Ziricki also presented grant agreement G3M92 to fund design for a fuel‑farm expansion (20,000‑gallon Avgas tank) with FDOT’s small share ($7,500) and a 95% FAA match; the board approved the grant and a $99,247 Avcon design work authorization for the fuel‑farm project. Commissioners discussed tank type, Jet‑A status and life‑cycle timing for replacements; staff said design and construction are expected to be fully grant funded and that Avgas sales supported the expansion need.
Why it matters: The projects address FAA safety and operational requirements and expand capacity for aviation fuel, with little or no local financial burden because of federal and state grants. The wildlife assessment is a regulatory requirement tied to flight safety; fuel‑farm expansion supports airport operations and potential growth.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 995; topfinish SEG 1306
