- December 20, 2024
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by: Bill Partington
Mayor of Ormond Beach
In response to citizen concerns about expanding the airport to the west, we have reduced the size and scope of the runway extension and kept the entire project on current airport property. It is important that we listen to our residents and analyze/balance/address their concerns. We hear it repeatedly when employers come to town — I chose Ormond Beach not just for its charm, but also for its proximity to transportation hubs, including the airport. It makes doing business in Ormond Beach appealing and is an integral part of our current economy.
Recent FDOT Economic Impact reports reflect that there are more than 400 high-paying jobs at the airport with total labor revenue of over $18 million and business revenue of over $56 million. If you add the total employment of the adjacent business park, the airport area is one of the largest revenue producers and employers in the city of Ormond Beach. This all speaks volumes about the airport's value to our city and how it plays a key role in not just the aerospace industry, but in our community as a whole.
The Ormond Beach Municipal Airport was opened in 1943 as a naval training field. The federal government then deeded it to the city in 1959. Since that time, it has served as a public transportation facility and the city, as the acting sponsor of the airport, is required to maintain and develop the airport for the benefit of the flying public and the National Airspace System. Major airport improvement projects are funded by FDOT and FAA, and the airport’s share is typically only 2% of the total project cost and may be loaned to the Airport Fund from the General Fund. These local share amounts are then paid back to the General Fund with airport revenue. This revenue is generated from leases of airport property (94%) and airport fees (commission on fuel and parking 6%).
A recent example of these types of projects being the primary east/west runway extension by 600 feet within the current airport property. This extension is part of the airport's approved capital improvement plan and was part of the Airport Master Plan dating back to 2015. The extension increases operational safety for everyone that can already use the airport and creates a safety buffer by giving pilots more space for takeoff and landing. We also took care to ensure that the project does not change the types of aircraft allowed to use the airport. This means that no big jets are suddenly going to be allowed to fly into and out of the airport once the extension is complete. Only the same types of aircraft that are currently supported by the airport may continue to utilize it.
In additional benefits to our area, the extension will also enable aircraft to fly at higher altitude when above residential areas east/west of the airport and, according to studies, will lessen the impact of aircraft noise on nearby areas. All of the projects in the airport’s approved capital improvement plan will be accomplished within the existing footprint of the airport. Almost 100% of funding for these important projects comes directly from the FAA and FDOT. If we did not use these federal grant dollars, then some other community could take advantage of them.
Bottom line: Improving our airport through grant funding only enhances the Ormond Beach area because we can offer a safer, more efficient, and quieter airport!
