DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Russell J. Handy
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Partner Design and Construction Agreement with National Park Service for the Hike and Bike project at Stinson Municipal Airport
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a partner design and construction agreement with the National Park Service (NPS) of the United States Department of the Interior to allow the design and construction of a public access pedestrian foot bridge as part of the Hike and Bike project at Stinson Municipal Airport that will cross the Acequia de Espada on land owned by the National Park Service. The NPS owns the land between the Stinson Municipal Airport and the Mission Reach project in which the bridge will cross. The agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the City will design, construct and donate to the NPS for use to cross the Acequia De Espada. Throughout the development and design of this project, the NPS has been an engaged and supportive partner.
This agreement is aligned with the United States Code which authorizes the NPS to accept donations for purposes of the NPS; authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept and use contributions for cooperative projects with local municipalities as well as entering into agreements with these entities to share costs and services in support of NPS projects; and, authorizes the NPS to take actions to further the NPS mission.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Stinson Municipal Airport is the second oldest continuously-operating airport in the United States and serves as the designated general aviation reliever for the San Antonio International Airport. Over the past ten years, the City has invested in several projects to attract visitors to Stinson including the completion of a restoration and expansion of the terminal building in 2008; the design and construction of a new air traffic control tower; and, in late 2018, the awarding of two construction contracts for new monument and directional signage around the Stinson campus and an expanded parking lot.
Over the last four years, the Aviation Department has worked with the Parks and Recreation Department and United States National Park Service to develop a hike and bike project on 63 acres that the Aviation Department owns that is located between Mission Road and the San Antonio River. The project connects the airport and its amenities to the Mission Reach project and access to the UNESCO World Heritage Missions. The Aviation Department will be able to raise awareness to pilots and their passengers of the ease of flying into Stinson, utilize the hike and bike trail to visit the Missions and other area sites and attractions along the river as well as the businesses and attractions located at Stinson. The construction contract was awarded to RCO Construction in October 2018 and construction has begun.
ISSUE:
A component of this project includes a pedestrian bridge that will be installed over NPS land and requires access to their land in order for the project to be completed. The federal government requires an agreement between the NPS and City to outline the responsibilities of each party for the work related to the design, installation and construction of the bridge.
The agreement establishes the parties’ understandings and obligations regarding the pedestrian bridge component of the project including its design, construction, and donation to NPS, such that the City may complete this portion of the overall Hike and Bike project within parameters acceptable to the NPS and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, government policies, and NPS management plans. These responsibilities range from the NPS agreeing to provide written comments and written approvals or disapprovals to the City on design, construction, environmental and other documents related to the bridge as well as monitoring the implementation of the project, including periodic inspections and tests for compliance, and inspecting the work. The responsibilities of the City include, but are not limited to ensuring the design and construction work related to the bridge meets NPS standards and requirements and providing copies of any contracts or agreements that the City enters regarding the project as well as written confirmation that those parties are not suspended or debarred from federal contracting.
City Council authorization is required for agreements with the federal government.
ALTERNATIVES:
This agreement will allow the Hike and Bike project at Stinson Municipal Airport to be completed. City Council authorized the construction contract for the project on October 11, 2018 through Ordinance 2018-10-11-0807.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance approves a partner design and construction agreement with the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior to allow the design and construction of a public access pedestrian foot bridge as part of the Stinson Hike and Bike project that will cross the Acequia de Espada on land owned by the National Park Service. There is no fiscal impact related this agreement as the work was included in the construction contract awarded by City Council in Ordinance 2018-10-11-0807. The work outlined in the agreement is part of the scope of work approved in the construction contract with RCO Construction for the Hike and Bike project at Stinson Municipal Airport.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the authorization of the partner design and construction agreement with the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior in support of the Hike and Bike project at Stinson Municipal Airport.