DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Russell J. Handy
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Federal Aviation Administration Grant for the San Antonio International Airport
SUMMARY:
City Council consideration for an ordinance authorizing the submission of a grant application and the acceptance of grant funds for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvements Program (AIP) grants in an amount up to $11,398,500.00 for two projects, Taxiway E Reconstruction and Runway 13R Rehabilitation, which will be referred to as Airfield Improvements, Package 6. The total estimated project cost for Airfield Improvements, Package 6 is $15,198,000.00 with the City's share of $3,799,500.00 funded from Airport Improvement and Contingency Funds and Interim Financing Funds. This action will appropriate funds and amend the FY2019-FY2024 Capital Improvement Program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
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 13R Rehabilitation, Terminal Areas Taxiways and Taxiway Echo 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. Typically, the FAA contributes 75% to the eligible project cost with the City providing the remaining 25% of the costs.
The grant package also known as “Airfield Improvements, Package 6” will include construction for two of these projects: Runway 13R Rehabilitation and Taxiway E Reconstruction. The third project, Terminal Area Taxiways, is complete. Package 6 will be implemented in four phases with the first two phases relocating FAA cables and installing a new duct bank and fiber for the FAA cable loop system that must be replaced due to conflicting elevations with new pavement. The third phase includes the demolition and relocation of Taxiway E to meet current FAA specifications. This work will include demolition, grading, drainage, pavement, taxiway lighting, and striping. The fourth phase includes the installation of temporary bypass of a future area of construction, connecting Taxiway RC to Taxiway R, allowing continuity of operation for corporate airport tenants. This portion of the work will include grading, drainage, pavement, taxiway lighting, and striping.
The grant application is intended to include other costs including design and construction administrations costs; third-party inspection costs; construction materials testing; and FAA reimbursable agreement for the portions of the project that impact FAA equipment.
ISSUE:
The FAA has recently allowed airports to use a Request For Competitively Sealed Proposals alternative project delivery method for the construction of airfield projects. The Audit and Accountability Council Committee was briefed on this solicitation, the first of its type for the San Antonio Airport System, at the March 19, 2019 meeting. The Committee approved the solicitation’s release. Once the selection process is complete, the item will go to the Audit and Accountability Council Committee for a post-solicitation briefing then for consideration for City Council consideration.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose to not approve this item. However, without approval the City loses eligibility for the federal grant awards to support these projects at San Antonio International Airport. In addition, 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 anticipated total project cost for Airfield Improvements, Package 6 is $15,198,000.00 and includes appropriation of funding in the amount of up to $11,398,500.00 from the FAA. The total City match of $3,799,500.00, includes previously appropriated Interim Financing Funds in the amount of $2,304,250.00 and will appropriate up to $1,495,250.00 from the Airport Improvement and Contingency Fund. This council action will amend the FY2019-FY2024 Capital Improvement Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends submission of a grant application and the acceptance of grant funds for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvements Program (AIP) grant program for the Airfield Improvements, Package 6 project at the San Antonio International Airport.