Commission expedites push for general aviation airport at Homestead Air Reserve Base

MIAMI-DADE – The Miami-Dade County Commission on Oct. 8 approved a resolution co-prime sponsored by Commissioners Dennis C. Moss and Jose “Pepe” Diaz to develop a portion of Homestead Air Reserve Base as a non-commercial general aviation airport for joint civilian use.

The resolution directs the County administration to take all steps necessary to expeditiously effectuate a joint-use agreement with the U.S. Air Force, which operates the base, to allow for a fixed-base operator development – excluding commercial and cargo uses – on the south side of the base’s airfield. The resolution begins the process toward a final agreement, which will come to the Commission for a final vote.

“We’re blessed to have this facility in Miami-Dade County, and allowing it to be utilized in this way will be of great benefit to our economy and will provide valuable aeronautical services to the local general aviation community,” Commissioner Diaz said. “Currently, there are only 21 airports in the nation that have dual use, and I want to make sure Miami-Dade is number 22.”

The County’s negotiations with the Air Force to allow for a general aviation airport at Homestead Air Reserve began in 2014.

“Aviation will continue to grow as this community continues to grow. As the gateway to the Caribbean and South America, and because of expanded tourism and business growth in Miami Dade, it is important to add additional aviation facilities when you can. Homestead offers a unique opportunity, because of the infrastructure that is already there,” said Commissioner Moss.