DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Frank Miller
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
TXDOT Grant for Air Traffic Control Tower at Stinson Municipal Airport
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes an amendment to a Texas Department of Transportation grant for the new air traffic control tower at Stinson Municipal Airport to increase the total amount to $537,638.00 from $467,638.00 for the design and environmental assessment. As part of the grant, the State administers and oversees the planning, design and construction of the air traffic control tower. The State provides 90% of the funding, while the City provides the remaining 10% match. The City's matching share will increase to $53,763.00 from $46,764.00 and be funded through the Stinson Revolving Fund.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Air Traffic Control Tower
The Aviation Department has coordinated with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) in the development of a new air traffic control tower at Stinson Municipal Airport. This project plans, designs and constructs a new tower to eliminate anticipated line-of-sight issues that will occur with future development. This project is part of a grant program in which TXDOT provides 90% of the total project cost and the City provides the remaining 10%.
In August 2011 through Ordinance 2011-08-18-0666 and required as a condition of the grant, City Council authorized TXDOT as its agent for the purpose of administrating all funds for these improvements, selecting the consultants and contractors and administering the contracts necessary for the implementation of these improvements. As such, TXDOT must receive the matching funds prior to implementation of the various work efforts. The Ordinance also authorized the City to provide the 10%, or $30,000.00, of the total design and environmental costs, or $300,000.00. In August 2013, City Council authorized an increase in the grant amount to $467,638.00 and increased the City's share to $46,764.00.
The costs for the design and environmental assessment have increased in the amount of $70,000.00. As part of the grant, the City is responsible for 10% of the costs. The City's share has now increased by $6,999.00 to $53,763.00.
The Aviation Department will be coming back to City Council with the acceptance for future grant funds for the construction of the air traffic control tower.
ISSUE:
Approval to amend the TXDOT award in support of various airfield projects is consistent with City Council's policy of improving facilities at Stinson Municipal Airport and utilizing federal funding when available.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could elect not to approve the amendment to the grant; however, this would result delaying the project or possibly cancelling the project. Additionally, rejection of the grant may negatively impact the City's ability to receive future grant funding for future development and expansion of the airports' facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This Ordinance authorizes an increase in the total grant amount for the air traffic control tower project at Stinson Municipal Airport from $467,638.00 to $537,638.00. The City's matching amount increased in the amount of $6,999.00 to $53,763.00 and will be appropriated from the Stinson Revolving Fund. This action will amend the FY 2014 Aviation Capital Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the authorization of the increase of the total grant amount for the new air traffic control tower at Stinson Municipal Airport to $537,638.00 and increase in the City's matching share to $53,763.00.