Crystal River runway EA workshop set for July 16; fuel‑farm work to begin next week

The Citrus County Aviation Advisory Board received project updates June 11 on several airport infrastructure efforts, including the Crystal River runway environmental assessment (EA), fuel-farm replacement and automatic weather-observing systems (AWOS).

Staff reported the Crystal River runway extension remains in the EA phase and is on schedule for an October completion; a public workshop for the EA is planned for July 16 at the community center north of the airport. The EA has been reviewed by federal authorities for publication and staff said notice should appear in the local paper.

Fuel-farm replacement work is expected to begin when contractors mobilize (staff said mobilization could start as early as next Friday). Staff noted temporary fuel-storage tanks will hold significantly less than the permanent 12,000-gallon tanks, but routine fueling and deliveries will continue during construction. A target completion date was given as January 8 of next year.

Airfield lighting replacement documents were reviewed by the aviation attorney and the invitation to bid will be advertised the coming Saturday; staff expects the contract to come before the Board of County Commissioners in late August. Both AWOS units were advertised May 30 and bids close on the 8th of the following month; staff said the equipment typically lasts 10–15 years and replacements were necessary.

Other brief updates included Aegis survey deliverable adjustments pending final verification and INF business‑park earthwork nearing completion with stormwater and utility work next. The Eminence Airport fire-station design reached 100% and will be submitted to the FAA for review; staff anticipates FAA review timelines could be a matter of months.

Staff asked residents and interested parties to watch for meeting notices and for the EA workshop announcement in local media.