Details: Created on Sunday, 25 September 2011 22:48

For Inquiries contact:
Homer Sims, Airport Director, at (850) 482-2281, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Airport History:
In 1943 the Army Airfield was opened and served as a training base for the southeast Army Air Force training Command. In 1947 the U.S. Government released control of the majority of the base back to the City of Marianna. In 1952 the base was reacquired by the U.S. Government and became the Graham Air Base. The base was again deactivated in 1960 and since has belonged to the City of Marianna.

Airport Facilities:
The runway configuration at the Marianna Municipal Airport consists of two 4,900 foot long by 100 foot wide intersecting runways. Both runways have pavement strength of 56,500 pounds single wheel load (SWL). The airport has approximately 183,475 square yards of apron area. The apron has over 200 tie downs for aircraft. The 20,000 square foot FBO building has a space dedicated for a pilot lounge, flight service station, weather briefing area and pilot training classroom. For more information contact:
Homer Sims, Airport Director, at (850) 482-2281, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Airport Hanger

THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT

The Marianna Municipal Airport is a city-owned, public-use General Aviation/Community Airport. The Airport was deeded to the City of Marianna in the 1940’s, with certain stipulations that the airfield must be maintained or it must be returned to the United States Government. The City of Marianna solicits federal and state funding in order to be able to maintain the airfield.

The City of Marianna completed the Rehabilitate Runway 18/36 Lighting project design with 95% funding from the federal government and 5% funding from the State of Florida. The Airport had hoped to possible receive federal and state funds to complete the construction phase of the Relight Runway 18/36 project.

The City’s Aviation Consultant is Mr. Steve Henriquez of URS Corporation, of Tampa, Florida and Mr. Bill Farris is the Federal Aviation Administration Program Manager of the Orlando Airports District Office. In March 2009, the Airport was contacted by the FAA and was told that the Rehabilitate Runway 18/36 Lighting project competed well for 100% stimulus funding proposed by President Obama through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA of 2009).

The City instructed URS Corporation to issue the plans and specifications necessary to bid the Rehabilitate Runway 18/36 Lighting project. The description of the project included the completion of the Runway 18/36 medium intensity edge lighting system, including replacement of cable and light fixtures. The project includes DBE requirements of 7.0%, Davis Bacon Wage Rate requirements and the Buy American requirements for the proposed stimulus grant. A Notice-To-Bidders, date April 5, 2009, was distributed to several known electrical contractors and advertised in the local newspaper. Sealed bids were due on or before 1:00 pm on April 28, 2009.

On April 28, 2009, at 1:00 pm, bids were received from five qualified bidders. Bids ranged from a low of $229,882.50 to a high of $379,130.00. The Engineer’s Estimate was $491,950.00, and as noted, the bids came in well below the estimate. A meeting was held at the airport on May 1, 2009, between the City, URS and the low bidder, Islands Mechanical Contractor, Inc. As their bid was extremely reasonable, all parties wanted to be assured the low bidder fully understood the work required in the project. At the conclusion of the meeting all parties felt very confident the project could be completed for the bid amount.

An Application for Federal Assistance dated May 6, 2009 was completed and mailed to the FAA requesting a total ARRA Grant of $254,883.00. The calculation of costs are as follows: Administration Expense - $10,000.00; Part-Time Resident Project Inspection Fees for the Construction Phase (URS Corporation) - $15,000.00; and Construction Costs (low bid from Islands Mechanical Contractors, Inc. $229,883.00. At the City Commission meeting of June 2, 2009, the City accepted ARRA Grant Offer #3-12-0045-010-2009 in the amount of $254,883.00 for the Rehabilitate Runway 18/36 Lighting.

A pre-construction conference has been scheduled for June 18, 2009 at 10:30 am. Notice-to-Proceed is scheduled for June 27, 2009. All work will be completed in conformance with the contract documents and will be completed within 104 calendar days including mobilization, or within 74 calendar days of beginning work ion the runway.

If anyone has any questions regarding the project, they may call the Marianna Municipal Airport at 850-482-2281 and ask for Homer Sims. They may also e-mail the airport at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Pictures attached indicate the current conditions of the runway lighting system. Future pictures will be posted showing the improvements and completed project.

This project will be accomplished meeting the goals outlined in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 by creating work and jobs in our area, as well as, rehabilitating and improving safety on the primary runway at the Marianna Municipal Airport.