Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Record of Decision
Environmental Assessment for an Air Traffic Control Tower at the
Kissimmee Gateway Airport
Kissimmee, Florida
The Federal Aviation Administration, Orlando Airports District Office, has announced that a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Record of Decision (ROD) has been approved based on the findings of an Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared for the proposed Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM). The overall Proposed Project components evaluated in the EA are summarized below.
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Replace the existing ATCT with a new ATCT in the southeast quadrant of ISM. The Proposed Project includes constructing an octagonal cab with columns (for open viewing space of movement areas) and slatwall. The cab will comprise 440 SF of floor space with a cab eye level of 85 feet AGL, floor level of 80 feet AGL, and overall height of 115 feet AGL.
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Construction of parking, access, sidewalks, and an equipment pad which will add a total of approximately 4,300 square feet of impervious surface.
The existing ATCT will not be demolished for the foreseeable future as the City of Kissimmee is considering options for repurposing the building. The existing ATCT at ISM opened in April 1997 and it does not meet current FAA visual performance criteria, the facility is out of space to accommodate any additional equipment or staff, and the existing structure cannot be expanded, raised, or improved. The new facility will provide sufficient space and long-term functionality to house communications equipment, weather equipment, operations floor equipment, non-operations equipment, and other building-related equipment. The proposed ATCT will include an elevator to comply with ADA regulations and will provide sufficient space for personnel offices, break room, restrooms, and a training area.
The Proposed Project is to be constructed southeast of the existing ATCT, adjacent to the recently constructed electrical vault and lift station. The area currently consists of mowed and maintained turf and was previously disturbed. No wetlands or protected species are to be impacted. There are no 100-year floodplains mapped within the area. The Proposed Action is not expected to generate additional aircraft activity, change fleet mix, impact airspace, or influence flight tracks that might affect the noise environment.
The Proposed Project is not expected to affect air quality, protected species or their habitats, wetlands, or historical and cultural resources. The EA did not identify any significant environmental, social, or economic impacts associated with the overall Proposed Project or FAA’s Proposed Action.
The FONSI/ROD indicates that the FAA Proposed Project is consistent with existing environmental policies and objectives as set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 in that it will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Copies of the FONSI/ROD and Final EA are available to the public at the following locations:
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In Person at:
Kissimmee Gateway Airport
Airport Administration Building
401 Dyer Boulevard
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Published on 7/1/2024, 7/2/2024, and 7/3/2024.