DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Frank Miller
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
TXDOT Grant for Runway 1432 Rehabilitation project at Stinson Municipal Airport
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes an amendment to a Texas Department of Transportation grant for the Runway 1432 Rehabilitation project at Stinson Municipal Airport to increase the total amount to $4,455,486.00 from $3,851,000.00 for the construction phase. As part of the grant, the State administers and oversees the planning, design and construction of the project. The State provides 90% of the funding, while the City provides the remaining 10% match. The City's matching share will increase $75,098.00 and be funded through the Stinson Revolving Fund. The share from TXDOT increased $529,388.00.
The increases are due to higher construction bids than estimated and the acceptance of three alt bids which are at a different funding percentage by the State. By including these three options with the project, the city leverages higher grant funds and avoids disrupting operations later.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Runway 14-32
In January 2010, the Aviation Department received a federal earmark in the amount of $1,200,000.00 for the Runway 14-32 Rehabilitation project at Stinson Municipal Airport. The project will provide for a structural overlay of the runway with new striping and marking and associated electrical lighting and signage improvements.
Previous Council Action
City Council authorized Resolution 2012-0802-0030R in June 2012 that recognized TXDOT as the agent for the project, managing the design through the construction. TXDOT is responsible for the applying for, receiving and disbursing all funds for the improvements as well as the administration of contracts related to the project. The Resolution also included an estimated total project cost of $3,675,000.00 for design, land acquisition and construction. TXDOT funds 90% of the project costs with the City responsible for 10%.
In June 2012, City Council submitted and accepted a grant in the amount of $328,500.00 for the design and land acquisition for the project through Ordinance 2012-08-02-0558. The City's matching amount was $36,500.00 for design and $180,000.00 for land acquisition. In March 2014, City Council authorized the submittal and acceptance of a grant from TXDOT in the amount of $3,851,000.00 for the construction phase of the project with the City's share in the amount of $385,100.00.
Amendment
The bids for the construction work were higher than TXDOT had estimated and require an increase in the grant amount and the City's contribution to the grant. TXDOT's share increased in the amount of $529,388.00. The City's share increased in the amount of $75,098.00 to $460,198.00 and includes the acceptance of three alternative bids:
a. Alt Bid #3: LED Runway Edge Lights. LED lights are preferred by the City but were not required for the project, so the grant split is 50/50.
b. Alt Bid #4: LED Runway End Identification Lights (REILs) on Runway 1432. LED lights are preferred by the City but were not required for the project, so the grant split is 50/50.
c. Alt Bid #5: Overlay of Taxiway A South of Runway 9/27. This alternative is eligible for the 90/10 split.
By including these three options with the project, the City leverages higher grant funds, receives upgraded lighting and avoids disrupting operations later while the same work is completed and funded entirely by the City.
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:
The 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. In addition, by accepting the three alt bids with this project, the City is able to leverage grant funds for work that otherwise would have been funded completely by the City. It also means disruptions for operations are minimized as all of the work is done in one project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This Ordinance authorizes an increase in the total grant amount for the Runway 1432 Runway Rehabilitation project at Stinson Municipal Airport from $3,851,000.00 to $4,455,486.00. The City's matching amount increased from $385,100.00 to $460,198.00 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 Runway 1432 Rehabilitation project at Stinson Municipal Airport and of the increase in the City's matching share.