SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval of Airport Improvement Program Grant Agreement Between the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration and Marion County for the Completion of a Wildlife Hazard Assessment (Budget Impact - Neutral; grant funding of $35,625)
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Jim Couillard, PLA, ASLA, Director |
Parks & Recreation |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has offered the Marion County Airport an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant Agreement in the amount of $35,625, under Project No. 3-12-0147-014-2026. This grant will fund 95% of the cost for the completion of a Wildlife Hazard Assessment being completed by an FAA qualified wildlife biologist, which is the necessary first step towards obtaining grant funds to install wildlife fencing around the Airport perimeter. The remaining 5% will be covered through state and local matching funds with a 4% ($1,500) grant from the Florida Department of Transportation and the remaining 1% ($375) being funded through local matching funds, in accordance with the approved project budget.
This assessment is also an important first step in developing the airport’s Wildlife Hazard Management Plan. Completing the assessment will help identify and support the improvements that may be needed and better position us to align future FAA funding toward implementing those recommendations.
The AIP grant agreement must be executed by the County’s authorized representative and County Attorney no later than August 27, 2026. As with other FAA grant agreements, only electronic signatures are accepted. The Chairman will receive the grant agreement via email, which will then be automatically routed to the County Attorney for their signature. A copy of the grant agreement is attached with this agenda item.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Neutral; receipt of $35,625 in FAA grant funding. The required non-federal match will be funded through a Florida Department of Transportation grant and local matching funds in accordance with the approved project budget.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve the Airport Improvement Program Grant Agreement between U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration and Marion County and authorize the Chairman and County Attorney to execute the same.
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