Florida’s Sebring Regional Airport (SEF), home to the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, has received the green light from the Florida State Legislature to proceed with a 1,476-foot extension to runway 18-36 with the approval of a 90-acre land acquisition. A $1.5 million state legislative appropriation will go to the airport as a result of the legislation’s approval.
“We are very excited about receiving this funding,” said Mike Willingham, executive director. “Not only will it help us achieve our goal of finishing the land acquisition phase of the extension for Runway 18-36, but ultimately will bring more business to this region.”
Phase I of the project entails a full reconstruction of the existing 5,224-foot primary runway. Phase I Design/Permitting (Runway Reconstruction) is currently in progress under an FAA Grant.
Phase II entails the extension of Runway 18-36 and Parallel Taxiway A. By extending the existing runway length 1,476 feet to the north, Sebring Regional Airport can reduce or eliminate load limitations experienced by current users, accommodate the forecast aircraft in the most recent Airport Master Plan Update, promote scheduled passenger/small package service, and market globally to larger aircraft, airport officials said.
Design and permitting of the runway extension is anticipated to begin in September. The Draft Environmental Assessment for the proposed runway extension was submitted to the FAA in February 2010. No issues are anticipated and an FAA Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is expected within 60 days.
For more information: Sebring-Airport.com
