By LISA MACNEIL
At the Airport Advisory Committee meeting on May 21, 2019, Senior Project Manager Michael Ullven and Airport Manager Kevin Daugherty updated the committee on several projects that have been planned for the last few years.
T-hangar redevelopment
Ullven reported that T-hangar redevelopment is complete. The project, which consisted of three hangars with taxi lanes and removal of one block building was budgeted at $218,000 came in below budget by $3,493.02.
Airport Manager Kevin Daugherty added, “What’s important about this project is that it opens that ramp up for FBO (Fixed Base Operator) expansion, which is starting to happen right now. They’ve already constructed two storage buildings over there for their miscellaneous parts. They also have a corporate hangar that’s under design right now by Proud Pelican construction. So what we wanted to happen is starting to happen, according to the Master Plan. There’s one more component that’s leftover, and that’s the shade hangar relocation. Then we’ve fulfilled the requirements of the Master Plan.”
Self-Fueling Facility
Ullven next reported on the self-fueling facility, located on the southeast side of the airport. It’s expected to be completed on October 4, 2019. The site is currently ready for asphalt paving. The oil/water separator and drainage has been installed. Next week, the concrete slabs for the fueling areas are to be installed.
Daugherty followed with, “The Board of County Commissioners has indicated that they want a third party to run this facility which is actually in the best interest of the airport. So we have to put out an RFP (Request for Proposal) for a management agreement, and the RFP is going to require an evaluation committee and Mr. Chairman, we’d like to have someone from this committee that has FBO experience on our evaluation committee to review the proposals.”
Chairman Frank Morsani recommended Ray Fuqua for the spot on the committee. No one opposed.
Taxiway ‘A’ Rehabilitation
Bids were due on May 22, 2019 for the Taxiway ‘A’ Rehabilitation. The timeline for completion vary as the project is broken into several “schedules” or phases, each dependent on completion of the former. Schedule A involves the removal of the unused pavement on the west portion of the runway, and the addition of a taxiway A7.
Schedule B addresses improvements taxiway ‘A’ east, congruent to to the portion that is under Schedule A.
Schedule C pertains to taxiway ‘A1’, east of Taxiway ‘A’ east.
Schedule D decouples the terminus of runway 321 from Taxiway A.
Daugherty reported that he’s anticipating state funding for this project. “This is going to be a great project for this airport. Right now the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has indicated that they have money for Schedule A, but ideally, depending on where the bids are at … they want to fund the whole project, and just get it done in one phase.” Daugherty said, “Once it’s awarded, it will go quick.” The expected timeline is 210 days. The anticipated FAA grant is for $8-million.
Sgt. Lea Mills Blvd. Restoration
The next project is the Sgt. Lea Mills Blvd. restoration. Located on the southern part of the airport, the project aims to remove 1,500 linear feet of distressed roadway at a cost of $190,000. The roadway will be closed during the restoration. This project has not been presented for a bid yet.
After its restoration, Sgt. Lea Mills Blvd. will be maintained by the Department of Public Works. “(The airport) needs to get out of the roadway business.” Daugherty said.
Railroad Spur Rehabilitation
This project was completed on May 15, 2019 at a final cost of $29,991. The rehab included replacing railroad ties and replacement of a bad switching mechanism. Ullven reports that these repairs clears the track of any deficiency. The rail spur serves the rail park tenants on the east side of BKV, which is 84 Lumber at present, with the potential for additional tenants in the future.
Technology Dr. / Telecom Dr. Road Network
This project involves the resurfacing of the existing portion of Technology drive, and it’s extension south to connect with Telecom Drive, which will provide access to BKV via an old runway. Expected cost ranges from $48,000 – $57,000.
Helicopter Drive Road Network
Located on the north side of BKV, this project aims to resurface the existing roadway of Helicopter Drive, and extend it eastward with water and sewer for an estimated cost of $284,698
Corporate Blvd. Extension
Ullven reported that currently, the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) has plans to extend County Line Road eastward to connect with Ayers Road. When this transpires, the county plan is to connect Corporate Blvd. at its connection with Sgt. Lea Mills Blvd. to County Line Road. This future project does not yet have a cost estimate. Right of way still needs to be negotiated with DOT.
Looking to the Future
“We’re never going to be a Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, we’re never going to be a Naples Airport…” said Daugherty. As that BKV grows at its own pace, it is still a self-sufficient source of economic development.
County Administrator Jeff Rogers spoke during the final minutes, and reported that the committee may soon have a voice in the possibility of a Vocational / Technical (Vo-Tech) school becoming part of the BKV landscape. According to Rogers, Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature on the pending budget will put that plan into motion.
