COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

September 5, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 23, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Grant Agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration -Improvements at Half Moon Bay and San Carlos Airports

Recommendation

Adopt resolutions authorizing the President of the Board to execute Grant Agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that will provide federal funds for maintenance, safety and security improvements at the Half Moon Bay and San Carlos Airports.

Previous Board Action

Authorized similar agreements with the FAA in previous years that provided federal funding to finance improvements at both airports.

Key Facts

1.

The FAA has notified us that the County is eligible for FAA Airport Improvement Grants in the amounts of $386,000 for Half Moon Bay Airport; and $1,002,000 for San Carlos Airport.

2. .

The grants require the County to provide 10% "matching" funds which are available in the Airport Enterprise Fund.

Discussion

We submitted applications to the FAA to request funding for improvements at both County airports. The scope of work:

a)

at Half Moon Bay Airport, includes drainage improvements to correct flooding and safety problems adjacent to the runway and aircraft parking areas; infrastructure upgrades to the airport's wastewater management system to address environmental issues; and safety upgrades to the runway lighting system; and

b)

at San Carlos Airport, includes pavement and drainage rehabilitation in aircraft parking areas on the southwest side of the airport; the installation of additional airport security lighting, upgraded perimeter fencing and access controls for vehicle and pedestrian gates to enhance airport security; safety upgrades to the runway lighting system; and the installation of an automated weather reporting system to enhance safety for pilots landing when the FAA control tower is closed.

The FAA on August 21, 2003, offered us grants as explained in Key Facts above. The grants are made available from funds budgeted in the 2003/04 Federal fiscal year, and the FAA has stated that the accepting of the grant offer has to be made as soon as possible and no later than September 30th, the end of federal year. We explained the earliest that we could have this offer considered by your Board was September 23, 2003, and the FAA staff indicated that receipt of the executed grant agreements following the September 23^rd Board meeting would be acceptable to them.

Vision Alignment

We believe that our recommendation is consistent with the Shared Commitment to "ensure basic health and safety for all" and Goal 7 "maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors," as the proposed airport improvements will rehabilitate airport infrastructure and enhance safety and security at the County's Airports.

Fiscal Impact

FAA grants are given on a reimbursable basis and require ten percent (10%) matching funds from the receiving agency. There are sufficient funds in the Airport Enterprise Fund to provide the ten percent (10%) match of $38,600 for the Half Moon Bay Airport project and $100,200 for the San Carlos Airport project. The grant also provides for the partial reimbursement of costs during the course of a project financed with grant funds, and we believe there are sufficient funds in the Airport Enterprise Fund to manage the cash flow of the projects which will be accomplished through the competitive bid process.

We will prepare the necessary environmental documents, apply for a Coastal Development Permit as may be required for work at the Half Moon Bay Airport, and return to your Board with contract plans and specifications for the proposed work.

There is no impact to the General Fund.

Forms of resolutions and agreements have been approved by County Counsel and the FAA has executed the agreements.