TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application to the Federal Aviation Administration, for the of capital improvements to Taxiway C; accept said grant, if awarded, in an amount up to $25,000,000 in Airport Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2019 funding; and, execute all documents necessary, including any amendments, to accept and expend the funds. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
The Long Beach Airport (Airport) receives grant funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for capital improvement projects. Entitlement funds are the portion of 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. Every other year, the Airport submits a grant application for entitlement and discretionary funds from the AIP to pay for major airport infrastructure rehabilitation and improvements.
On December 2, 2014, the City Council authorized the finalization and submission of preferred Alternative 3A of the Airfield Geometry Study (Study) to the FAA for review. The Study, prepared by HNTB Corporation, provided a comprehensive evaluation of the airfield geometry, providing alternatives for the reduction of risk in response to the Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST) report and analysis of the airfield design. Alternative 3A will help to reduce excess infrastructure and increase financial benefits through lower operation and maintenance costs.
On December 9, 2014, the City Council authorized the submission of an application for AIP funding of the Study - Phase 2. As the recommendations of the Study include physical modifications to the airfield, Phase 2 includes an update to the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) and other official maps and documents required to be maintained by the Airport. The ALP and associated documents have been developed and the FAA conditionally approved the document on July 6, 2017.
The Study’s recommendation includes the conversion of the decommissioned Runway 16L-34R pavement to new concrete pavement that will be designated as Taxiway C. Existing Taxiway C, currently located directly west of the apron, is the primary means of access to and from aircraft gates for commercial passenger aircrafts. The project improvements include the full reconstruction of pavement at the location of former Runway 16L-34R to be used as Taxiway C, thereby shifting Taxiway C away from the terminal ramp vicinity to alleviate congestion, reduce push-back incidents, and increase operational safety.
The project also includes the demolition/reconfiguration of the airfield geometry “hot spot” at the non-standard Taxiway J crossing of Runway 12-30, which will enhance pilot’s situational awareness and safety. Additional improvements will include the construction of new connecting taxiways, grading and drainage improvements, hydro-seeding of graded infield areas, new LED airfield signage and lighting improvements, and taxiway markings.
Funds for the capital improvements to Taxiway C are pending the receipt of the grant offer from the FAA. The grant requires shared financial participation by the Airport of 9.34 percent of the project cost. The estimated cost for the capital improvements to Taxiway C is $22,174,359, of which $20,103,274 will be federally funded grant. The final amount of the AIP grant may be slightly higher or lower, depending on the actual bid amount and available FAA funds. The Airport’s $2,071,085 share of cost will be funded with Passenger Facility Charges (PFC). Any use of PFC funds must be approved by the FAA prior to expending. It is anticipated that approval from the FAA will be received in FY 19 for this project.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on June 6, 2019 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on June 27, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 16, 2019, so the grant may be fully processed in the timeframe required by the FAA. Failure to meet the FAA deadline may result in loss of funding. Based upon the national priority to conform airfield geometry to current design standards, the FAA has advised the Airport that this project will be given national priority. The Airport is anticipated to be awarded discretionary AIP funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The amount of federal AIP grant funds requested for this project is $20,103,274. The required match of Airport funds for this amount totals $2,071,085, all of which will be funded with PFCs, anticipated to be approved 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. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. It is anticipated that the project will have a positive impact on the local job market.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CLAUDIA LEWIS,
INTERIM DIRECTOR, LONG BEACH AIRPORT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER