A new T-hangar is under construction at Venice Municipal Airport. The eight-unit building, which will be hardened for protection from hurricane-force winds, is expected to be complete by spring 2012. There is already a waiting list for occupancy of the small aircraft storage facility.
A grant from Florida Department of Transportation will pay 80 percent of $1.2 million cost, with the airport enterprise fund providing the remainder. Hangar rental revenue goes to the airport enterprise fund to be used for operations and capital improvements. No ad valorem (property) tax revenues are used by the airport.
Work will begin on numerous airfield safety improvements in the near future. The airport is replacing 30-year old lighted airfield signs that pilots use for ground maneuvering with energy efficient LED signs. It is updating taxiway pavement markings, installing a wildlife deterrent fence and removing trees that are too close to airport runways. The $300,000 project is also being funded in part by a grant from FDOT.
Mayor John Holic added, “These improvements will help ensure the financial stability of the airport and provide a safe and efficient gateway through the air to Venice’s beautiful beaches, shops and restaurants.”