TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to submit applications for the Airport Improvement Program Grant for Fiscal Year 2015 to the Federal Aviation Administration for funding of the Perimeter Security Improvements project; and to accept such grant, execute grant documents, and amend grant documents and grant amounts with the Federal Aviation Administration for entitlement and discretionary funds. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
The Long Beach Airport (Airport) receives grant funds annually from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Entitlement funds are the portion of the AIP funds allocated to the Airport based on the number of enplaned passengers, and are calculated by the FAA using a set formula. Discretionary funds are the portion of AIP funds that are allocated to airports based on need and national priority, as determined by the FAA. Each year, the Airport submits a grant application for entitlement and discretionary funds from the AIP to pay for major airport infrastructure rehabilitation and improvements.
The Perimeter Security Improvements project is anticipated to be funded by this year's grant. The Perimeter Security Improvements include approximately 12,500 lineal feet of fence improvements, automatic gates, intrusion detection systems, access control systems, security network infrastructure, and deployment of redundant security server equipment. The Transportation Security Administration has determined that these improvements will be critical to maintaining security and will greatly reduce potential vulnerabilities at the Airport.
Funds are pending submittal of formal grant applications to and receipt of grant offers from the FAA. The grant will require shared financial participation. The estimated cost for the Perimeter Security Improvements project is $5,623,394, of which $5,098,169 will be federally AIP funded. The Airport's share, $525,225, will be funded with Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) within the application approved by City Council on November 5, 2013, currently being considered for approval by the FAA. Once funds are awarded, Airport staff will work with the Long Beach Police Department, Airport tenants and stakeholders to more fully develop the security plan.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on October 13, 2014 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on October 15, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on November 11, 2014, to ensure that the grant applications are filed and the grants fully processed in the time frame required by the FAA. Failure to meet the FAA's deadlines could result in loss of funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
The amount of federal AIP grant funds requested for this project is $5,098,169. The required match of Airport funds for this amount totals $525,225, all of which will be funded with PFC within the application currently being considered for approval by the FAA. An appropriation increase will be requested for the awarded grant amount, Airport's PFC funds and final participation after the grant offer is received and executed. It is anticipated that the project will have a positive impact on the local job market.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
REGINALD I. HARRISON
ACTING DIRECTOR, LONG BEACH AIRPORT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER