DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Russell J. Handy
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Air Traffic Control Tower for Stinson Airport
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes an increase to the total project costs in the amount of $104,751.42 to the Air Traffic Control Tower at Stinson Municipal Airport (Stinson). The action will increase the total funding for the project to $5,893,254.00 with a total contribution of $2,063,516.20 from Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) and total City match of $3,829,737.80.
This action will appropriate $104,751.42 from the Stinson Revolving Fund and amend the FY 2018 Aviation Capital Budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Aviation Department has coordinated with the TXDOT in the development of a new air traffic control tower at Stinson Municipal Airport. This project planned, designed and constructed a new tower to eliminate anticipated line-of-sight issues that will occur with future development. As a grant requirement, TXDOT was authorized as the administrator for the project and selected the consultants and contractors and administers the funds and contracts as necessary. TXDOT contributed 90% of the total eligible project costs up to a total project contribution of $2,000,000.00 with the city responsible for the remaining project costs. When the construction contract was awarded, TXDOT agreed to increase their funding amount over the $2 million to $2,063,516.20.
The City Council authorization also authorized the submittal and acceptance of a grant for the design of the Tower with a subsequent amendment. In October 2014, City Council authorized a grant for the construction phase of the project through Ordinance 2014-10-16-0794.
Proposed Increase to Project
TXDOT has requested an increase in the project costs in the amount of $104,751.42 for several required changes to the project. First, as a part of the tree mitigation plan, a low-impact development system will be installed, including filtration of direct runoff from the drive and grouting of the rock filter along the drive to prevent erosion. Additional resources are required for this due to a change in the City’s tree mitigation requirements since the original tower design was completed. In addition, the city requested an underground electrical system rather than an above ground system for improved reliability and aesthetics, so the poles would not diminish the view of the tower. The contractor also realized that the voltage for the water heater and pump needed to be increased. Lastly, additional design services were required for this work.
The tower is almost completely built with the work related to this increase in project funding remaining and then time to allow the air traffic control tower equipment to be installed and tested. TXDOT must receive the matching funds prior to implementation of the various work efforts.
ISSUE:
This Ordinance authorizes an increase to the total project costs in the amount of $104,751.42 to the Air Traffic Control Tower at Stinson which will increase the total grant funding for the project to $5,893,254.00 with a total contribution of $2,063,516.20 from TXDOT and total City match of $3,829,737.80.
Approval of this Ordinance is consistent with City Council's policy of improving facilities at Stinson and utilizing other funding when available.
ALTERNATIVES:
The tower has almost completed construction and this remaining work will allow the air traffic control towers to install and test their equipment and the tower become fully operational.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action will appropriate $104,751.42 from the Stinson Revolving Fund and amend the FY 2018 Aviation Capital Budget. This action will increase the total grant funding for the project to $5,893,254.00 with a total contribution of $2,063,516.20 from TXDOT and total City match of $3,829,737.80.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the approval of the increase amount to the total project costs to complete the construction of the Stinson Air Traffic Control Tower Project.