Council accepts two FAA grants to expand airport apron, doubling transient parking

City staff told the council the city has already accepted several FAA and FDOT grants and is now approving the final two FAA Airport Improvement Program grants for the terminal apron expansion.

Miss Miller explained Phase 2 funds will add about 500 square yards to the terminal apron to increase transient aircraft parking. She then described Phase 3, which adds approximately 527 square yards. For Phase 3, staff said the total grant value is $551,175; the funding breakdown is 95% FAA, 2.5% FDOT and 2.5% city match, leaving a local contribution of about $13,779.

Councilors asked clarifying questions, including the increase in transient parking from six to 12 spaces and project phasing tied to separate funding pots. No members of the public spoke. Council moved and passed resolutions to accept the grants and authorized staff to proceed to contracting and construction steps.

Staff said accepting the grants allows the city to solicit and accept a contractor for the work and will support growth at the airport by increasing apron capacity.