Staff outlines $2.6 million Taxiway Alpha rehab, Hangar B apron repairs and other near-term projects

Staff provided a monthly airport report detailing multiple near-term capital projects and funding sources. The largest near-term item is rehabilitation of Taxiway Alpha, described as a roughly $2,600,000 project with approximately $2,200,000 in FAA funding; staff said the milling and overlay and LED edge-light replacement will be phased so users retain access during Comcore week and that construction is expected to start early to mid December with a 120-day contract time.

Staff also said design is complete for rehabilitation of the Hangar B aircraft parking apron using an FDOT grant; the bid package will go out in early December with bids opening in early January and an anticipated contract period of about 60 days. A separate City Commission work order will request design for rehabilitating taxi lanes and the entrance road inside Gate 3, and staff noted a November 19 agenda item to line a leaking concrete stormwater pipe as part of a multi-year stormwater and taxi-lane alignment plan.

On grants and finances, staff said the airport is revenue positive, projecting operating revenue of over $1,000,000 this fiscal year, and described a time-sensitive $1,000,000-matching grant that requires action to avoid losing the funds. Staff also discussed generator purchases for the terminal and fuel farm funded 100% by FDOT for storm readiness and warned of long lead times (about 30–40 weeks) for generator delivery.

Staff described ongoing conversations with the FAA about eligibility for funding of rehabilitation work on runway 1331 and recounted positive local experience with a concrete "white topping" overlay on Runway 927; staff suggested life-cycle cost analysis could inform whether to pursue concrete overlay or asphalt for future projects.