DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Frank Miller
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Application for Submissions and Acceptances of FAA Grant Awards
SUMMARY:
Consideration of two Ordinances related to Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program (FAA AIP) grants for the San Antonio International Airport:
A. An Ordinance authorizing the submission of a grant application and the acceptance of funds for a FAA AIP grant in an amount up to $24,129,504.00 for taxiway improvements. The FAA portion of the grant would be $18,097,128.00 with the City's share of $6,032,376.00 funded from Airport Improvement and Contingency Funds.
B. An Ordinance authorizing the submission of a grant application and the acceptance of funds for a FAA AIP grant in an amount up to $410,000.00 for runway and taxiway improvements. The FAA portion of the grant would be $307,500.00 with the City's share of previously appropriated funds in the amount of $102,500.00.
As part of the FAA AIP program for airfield improvements, the FAA will provide for 75% of eligible project costs and require a 25% City match.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City regularly coordinates with the FAA for continued AIP funding for eligible projects at the Airport. AIP funding is based on the Airport's preliminary submittal of its annual Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) to the FAA. Through the ACIP, the Airport identifies priority projects to be funded. These projects may be eligible for grant funding at 75% of eligible project costs with a 25% local matching share. The following project is included among the identified priorities:
In January 2013, City Council authorized, through Ordinance 2013-01-31-0065, a professional services agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates (KHA) for three airfield projects: Runway 12R Rehabilitation, Terminal Areas Taxiways and Taxiway E Reconstruction. The construction phases for the three projects have been packaged in order to maximize potential grant money the City receives each year and minimize impacts to airline and airport operations.
Item A
Terminal Area Taxiways
This project will design and reconstruct Taxiway G from Runway 4/22 to Taxiway A and localized areas at Taxiways Y and A. It will also design and reconstruct Taxiway N from Runway 12R southwest to just beyond Runway 4/22; and construct new parallel taxiways to both Taxiways G and N. The work will be done in multiple phases. The first phase of construction is complete, and the second phase is under construction.
This year's grant application will be for the third phase of construction, which includes the reconstruction of Taxiway N southwest from Taxiway G to just beyond Runway 4/22. Taxiway N reconstruction will additionally shift the taxiway centerline 50 feet to the southeast (toward Runway 4/22), reconstruct and construct new connector taxiways to Runway 4/22 and construct several connector taxiways to the Terminal A apron to improve aircraft operations in and around the terminal area while incorporating new design standards and maintaining runway capacity.
This fall, the City will bring forward a construction contract for City Council consideration for the third phase of the project if the grant application is accepted. The total grant amount is $24,129,504.00 with the FAA portion in the amount of $18,097,128.00 and the City portion in the amount of $6,032,376.00 funded from Airport Improvement and Contingency Funds.
Item B
Taxiway E Reconstruction
This project will design and reconstruct Taxiway E in a new location.
This year's grant application will be for design services for the taxiway reconstruction/relocation. The total grant amount is $180,000.00 with the FAA portion in the amount of $135,000.00 and the City portion in the amount of $45,000.00 funded from Airport Improvement and Contingency Funds. These funds were previously appropriated.
Runway 12R-30L Rehabilitation
This project will design and reconstruct two separate sections of concrete runway pavement of Runway 12R, including the rehabilitation of portions of adjacent taxiways and the replacement of the runway lighting. The localized pavement reconstruction is complete.
This year's grant application will be for design services for runway lighting improvements. The total grant amount is $230,000.00 with the FAA portion in the amount of $172,500.00 and the City portion in the amount of $57,500.00 funded from Airport Improvement and Contingency Funds. These funds were previously appropriated.
This fall, the City will bring forward an amendment to the professional services agreement with KHA for City Council consideration for construction phase services supporting the third construction phase and additional design services if the grant applications are accepted.
ISSUE:
This Ordinance allows the City to submit and accept, if awarded, FAA AIP grants. 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, 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 grant, if awarded, will provide for 75% of eligible project costs and require a 25% City match. The matching funds will be appropriated and amending the CIP in Fiscal Year 2015 and primarily spent in Fiscal Year 2016. Further phases will be approved through City Council actions as part of future FAA grant application submittal and acceptance. The FAA would fund $18,404,628.00, while the City's match of $6,134,876.00 will be funded from Airport Improvement and Contingency Funds and previously appropriated funds.
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 for the two Ordinance items related to FAA AIP grants for the San Antonio International Airport.