DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Frank Miller
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Grant Submission for the Residential Acoustical Treatment Program at San Antonio International Airport
SUMMARY:
An Ordinance authorizing the annual submission of a grant application and acceptance of funds for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant in an amount up to $8,000,000.00 for the continuation of the Residential Acoustical Treatment Program (RATP) utilizing the proposed noise exposure maps as required by the FAA in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 150 Program at the San Antonio International Airport. This action allows for the proposed maps to be submitted and the continuation of the RATP. The last update to the maps was submitted and approved by City Council in 2009.
As part of the FAA AIP program for Noise programs, the FAA provides 80% of the eligible project funds with the City responsible for the 20% match. The FAA portion of the grant would be $6,400,000.00 with the City providing its share of $1,600,000.00 from the 2010 Passenger Facility Charge Bonds.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City regularly coordinates with the FAA for continued AIP funding for eligible projects at the San Antonio International Airport. Launched in 2006, RATP provides acoustical improvements to eligible homes near the airport. The treatments include a variety of noise-mitigating measures, including window and door installations and added insulation. Eligible homes also must be built prior to 1998 and located within the most affected area.
The FAA determines eligibility of homes which qualify for the RATP program by using an approved Noise Exposure Contour Maps (NEMs). Every five years the FAA requires the NEMs to be updated and City Council authorized the last update to the maps in 2009. In May 2014, a study was initiated which projected the airport's yearly noise average using aircraft fleet mix, hourly operations and departure flight tracking data.
The City has contacted Congressman Lamar Smith's office for support as it pursues with the FAA allowing neighborhoods that were included in the 2009 equity program to remain eligible for the program.
As part of the FAA program, the FAA provides 80% of the necessary funding, while the City provides the remaining 20% match. No San Antonio tax dollars are used in the funding of this program.
ISSUE:
This Ordinance allows the City to submit an application in compliance with FAA regulations and accept, if awarded, the FAA AIP grant to support the Residential Acoustical Treatment Program. This action would be consistent with the City Council's policy of improving facilities, improving land uses, enhancing safety at the Airport, and utilizing federal funding when available.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose to not approve this item. However, this action would mean the City would not be eligible for the federal grant award to support the Residential Acoustical Treatment Program at San Antonio International Airport.
In addition, the failure to accept could potentially affect the City's ability to receive future FAA grant funding for additional safety, development, and expansion projects.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The noise grant, if awarded, will provide for 80% of eligible project costs and require a 20% City Match. The FAA will contribute $6,400,000.00 for the continuation of the program with the City match of $1,600,000.00. The matching funds will be appropriated from 2010 Passenger Facility Charge Bonds.
This ordinance provides for the acceptance and execution of FAA AIP grant funds, appropriates funds and authorizes execution of all related grant documents for each of the above projects at San Antonio International Airport.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the submittal of an application in compliance with the FAA regulations for a FAA Airport Improvement Program grant and its acceptance for the continuation of the Residential Acoustical Treatment Program.