- April 26, 2024
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In 2019, the city of Ormond Beach received a $3.3 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.
But a month ago, on Aug. 12, the city was notified by the FAA that it would be withdrawing its grant.
The grant was meant to help fund the proposed Ormond Beach Municipal Airport runway extension project. The city sought to extend the airport’s east-west runway by 600 feet, a revision of the initial project which sought a 1,000-foot extension to the west.
The project has been a point of contention in the community, as citizens raised concerns about increased airport noise, more jet traffic, and the airport placing a burden on the city’s general fund. Conversely, airport users and city staff argued the runway would increase safety, allow planes to take off with full fuel tanks and maximum occupancy, and that a longer runway would allow planes to gain altitude quicker and reduce noise when flying over the neighborhoods surrounding the airport. No larger aircraft were proposed to be added to the fleet mix, according to the city.
Why was the grant withdrawn?
The city said in an email that the “FAA grant performance period deadline is approximately 13 months away and according to the FAA, the key environmental, planning and design milestones cannot be met within that time. The FAA stated that these remaining tasks, including the completion of the supplemental environmental assessment, do not allow adequate time for the construction completion of the project prior to the deadline.”
The city additionally stated “no further action is planned.”
In June 2021, the Ormond Beach City Commission approved a work authorization to allow its consultants — Hoyle, Tanner and Associates — to prepare a new supplemental environmental assessment (which examines environmental impacts) for the revised scope of the runway extension. The project was revised because the city was initially unable to obtain the needed easements from property owners for the 1,000-foot extension to the west.
In May of this year, the city held an OB Life meeting to discuss the project. It received 161 questions and comments from the public.
On Wednesday, Sept. 7, the City Commission approved 4-1 the adoption of its millage rates and budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. City Commissioner Rob Littleton voted against.
The millage rate was set at 3.7610 mills — or $3.7610 per $1,000 of taxable value — which is 5.8% above the rollback rate.The city’s budget totals about $90.9 million, which is 12% higher than the 2021-2022 budget.
Included in the budget is acquisition of a $700,000 property for more reclaimed water storage, the purchase of public safety vehicles and equipment, and $750,000 for road rehabilitation.
“Overall, the proposed budget serves the citizens of our community well by providing the funds necessary to maintain and improve infrastructure, ensure qualified and responsive fire and police protection, and offer amenities that define our city through committed, dedicated, and exceptional employees that remain steadfast in our goal to provide the highest quality service,” Mayor Bill Partington said.
The final budget hearing is scheduled for Sept. 21.
The city of Ormond Beach recently earned a pet-friendly city certification through the Better Cities for Pets program, joining 14 other cities in Florida that have also earned the certification.
According to Mayor Bill Partington, who announced the certification at the commission meeting on Sept. 7, Ormond Beach was recognized for its high marks across the categories of shelters, homes, parks and businesses. He highlighted the city’s doggy dining program which allows pet owners to dine outdoors with their pets in approved restaurants, the city’s regular vaccination clinics, its anti-tethering ordinance and the fact 43 of the city’s 47 parks allow leashed pets, including two that allow them without a leash.
