Naples Airport Awarded The 2022
FAC J. Bryan Cooper Environmental and Vision Awards
The Naples Airport Authority (NAA) has been awarded the 2022 Florida Airports Council (FAC) J. Bryan Cooper Environmental Award for its Comprehensive Wildlife Management Program while NAA Executive Director Chris Rozansky was honored with the FAC Vision Award. Each year the FAC recognizes a member airport for implementing environmental projects that have a positive effect on the aviation system. They also recognize outstanding leaders who have exemplified vision and significantly contributed to environmental standards in aviation. “It is an honor to be recognized for our efforts to provide a safe and efficient airport while protecting our natural resources” said Naples Airport Authority Executive Director Chris Rozansky.
The NAA’s chief goal is to provide a safe, modern, and efficient airport that far exceeds regulatory requirements. Demonstrating this commitment, the NAA undertook several coordinated projects to improve water retention and reduce the risk of wildlife interactions. The Comprehensive Wildlife Management Program recognized by the FAC included:
Runway 5/23 Drainage Project – A project that redesigned the runway drainage from open swales to a piped underground storm water retention system, eliminating standing water, improving turf maintenance and reducing bird activity on the airfield.
West Quad Vegetation Removal – A project undertaken to improve water retention and reduce wildlife habitat on the airfield by removing excess vegetation, improving ground contours, removing active coyote dens, and installing deterrent fencing.
North Road Tree Removal – Undertaken in consultation with US Fish and Wildlife Service, this project removed slash pines near the approach end of Runway 5 to prevent bald eagle nesting, improving safety for both aircraft and the eagles. Native palms and tress that do not promote eagle nesting were preserved.
About Naples Airport
Naples Airport is ideally located within minutes of downtown Naples, the Gulf of Mexico and I-75, connecting people to the Paradise Coast through an exceptional airport experience. The airport serviced 113,137 annual operations in the last fiscal year, while being an engaged, responsive partner to the community. Home to flight schools, air charter operators, car rental agencies, and corporate aviation and non-aviation businesses, the airport is also a central location for public services, including fire/rescue services, mosquito control, the Collier County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit and other community services. The airport also prides itself on being the hub of emergency staging during natural disasters, like hurricanes and tornadoes, for first responders, lighting, and power crews. All funds used for the airport’s operation, maintenance and improvements are generated from activities at the airport or federal and state grants from aviation-related user fees. The airport receives no local tax dollars. The Florida Department of Transportation values the airport’s annual economic impact to the community at more than $440 million. For more information or to subscribe to email updates from the airport, visit www.FlyNaples.com.