DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Russell Handy
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Texas Department of Transportation Grant for the Runway 14/32 Runway Protection Zone project at Stinson Municipal Airport
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes the submittal and acceptance of a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) for environmental and survey work required for runway safety improvements for the Runway 14/32 Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) project at Stinson Municipal Airport (Stinson). As part of the resolution, the City names the TXDOT as its agent for the purposes of applying for, receiving and disbursing all funds for these improvements and for the administration of contracts necessary for the implementation of these improvements. TXDOT will provide $300,000.00 and the City will provide its matching share of $33,333.00 from the Stinson Revolving Fund.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) is an area off the end of the runway that serves to protect property and people on the ground in the event an aircraft lands or crashes beyond the runway’s end. In collaboration with TXDOT, Aviation Department has coordinated the necessary archeological and environmental studies to inform planned land acquisition next fiscal year in order to expand the RPZ.
There are three property owners that may be impacted by the project. There are no buildings or residencies on the land being considered for the project. The Aviation Department has engaged with affected stakeholders and is committed to regular and consistent communication with them throughout the progress of the project.
As part of the grant program, TXDOT will provide 90% of the funding with the City providing its 10% share. As a condition of the grant, the City must name TXDOT as its agent for the purpose of administration all funds for these improvements, the selection of consultants and the administration of contracts necessary for the implementation of these improvements. As such, TXDOT must receive the matching funds prior to implementation of the various work efforts. Following approval of the resolution by the City Council, TXDOT will take the item to the Texas Transportation Commission for their approval.
ISSUE:
This Ordinance authorizes a resolution for the submittal and acceptance of a grant for environmental and survey work required for runway safety improvements for the Runway 14/32 RPZ project at Stinson. As part of the resolution, the City names the TXDOT as its agent for the purposes of applying for, receiving and disbursing all funds for these improvements and for the administration of contracts necessary for the implementation of these improvements. TXDOT will provide $300,000.00 and the City will provide its matching share of $33,333.00 from the Stinson Revolving Fund.
Approval to accept 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 submittal and acceptance of the grant funds and the authorization of these expenditures; however, this would result delaying the Runway 14/32 RPZ project at Stinson. It would also result in the City not receiving eligible reimbursement funds. 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 the submittal and acceptance of $300,000.00 from TXDOT in addition to the City’s matching share of $33,333.00 from the Stinson Revolving Fund for a total of $333,333 and is included in the FY 2018 - FY 2023 Capital Improvement Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution for the submittal and acceptance of a grant with TXDOT for the land acquisition of Runway 14/32 RPZ project at Stinson.