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Adopt two resolutions authorizing submission of grant applications, acceptance of the allocation of funds, and execution and administration of grants and agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) totaling up to 95% of the $450,000 project cost for Nut Tree Airport’s Runway, Taxiway, and Wind Cone Electrical Improvements, Design and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise FY2025-2027 project; Delegate signing authority to the County Administrator or designee, to apply for, accept, execute, and deliver all documents required for grant administration; and Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request to recognize the additional funding from the FAA and Caltrans grants (4/5 vote required)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of General Services recommends that the Board:
1. Adopt two resolutions authorizing submission of grant applications, acceptance of the allocation of funds, and execution and administration of grants and agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) totaling up to 95% of the $450,000 project cost for Nut Tree Airport’s Runway, Taxiway, and Wind Cone Electrical Improvements, Design and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise project; and
2. Delegate signing authority to the County Administrator or designee, to apply for, accept, execute, and deliver all documents required for grant administration; and
3. Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request to recognize additional funding from the FAA and Caltrans grants. (4/5 vote required).
SUMMARY:
In collaboration with the FAA, the Nut Tree Airport prepares an annual Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP), which has included a project since 2015 to replace aging airfield lighting systems, and address outdated electrical infrastructure to enhance reliability, improve airfield safety, and increase energy efficiency. During the November 2020 FAA ACIP planning process, an electrical assessment of the airfield lighting systems was deemed necessary before proceeding with design and construction. The Board approved the grant for this assessment in August 2022, and the assessment was performed in November 2023, with the report finalized in May 2024 (Attachment A).
The Department of General Services recommends that the Board adopt a resolution authorizing two FAA applications as part of the Runway, Taxiway, and Wind Cone Electrical Improvements, Design and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (Project). These consist of: Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) of up to $223,895 and Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant, which includes an entitlement of up to $150,000 and a discretionary amount of up to $53,605 (Attachment B).
Additionally, staff recommends that the Board adopt a resolution authorizing application for and acceptance of a matching grant agreement from Caltrans to match 5% of the FAA AIP grant amount, up to $10,180 (Attachment C).
Staff also recommends that the Board delegate signing authority to the County Administrator or designee, to accept, execute, and deliver all necessary documents for the administration of the grants.
The FAA requires that the County execute and return grant agreements within 10 days of receipt. The County expects receiving a grant offer from the FAA to fund the Project. Delegating signing authority will allow staff to promptly return the grant agreements within the 10-day requirement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total estimated project cost for the Runway, Taxiway, and Wind Cone Electrical Improvements, Design and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Project (Budget Unit 9013) is $450,000. The FAA AIG grant application is for up to $223,895, though this grant is not eligible for State matching funds. The FAA AIP application includes an entitlement request of up to $150,000, with an additional discretionary funding request of up to $53,605, contingent on available funds from the FAA. The Project is eligible for State matching funds through Caltrans for the AIP grant, with potential match of up to $10,180. The remaining $12,320 will be funded by the Airport. There is no impact to the General Fund. A detailed breakdown of funding sources and estimated project costs is provided (Attachment D).
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The project is critical for maintaining the Nut Tree Airport’s infrastructure and ensuring operational reliability. The existing airfield electrical system is over 20-year-old, with aging circuitry that poses a risk of lighting system failures. These failures would directly impact the airport’s ability to maintain safe, 24-hour operations. Additionally, the current incandescent runway and taxiway lights are becoming increasingly difficult to replace due to supply chain limitations.
The electrical assessment identified multiple outdated, inefficient, and costly-to-maintain lighting systems at the airport. The highest-priority improvements recommended for the proposed design project include runway and taxiway edge lights, new threshold lights, airfield signs, new conduits, cables, electrical structures, and lighted wind cones. The Project received a 79% ranking on the FAA’s National Priority Rating (NPR) system, classifying it as a high-priority airport development project under the AIP. Based on this ranking, the County expects to be awarded these funds.
Additionally, to remain eligible for FAA grant funding, the airport must maintain a current Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program and an approved DBE goal. The Nut Tree Airport’s Triennial DBE program expired in December 2024 and was updated and approved by the FAA DBE Compliance Officer in January 2025. The cost of preparing the DBE program, up to $23,750, is reimbursable when included in a grant application, and this expense has been included in the AIG grant request.
The FAA AIP discretionary funding request of up to $53,605, subject to availability, depending on whether another airport sponsor utilizes their full entitlement. If this funding is not awarded, the Airport Fund Balance may be used to cover this expense.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The Board could choose not to adopt the resolution authorizing application for and acceptance of the FAA grants. This action is not recommended as these will fund a majority of the Project and it provides reimbursement of the DBE program costs.
2. The Board could choose not to adopt the resolution authorizing applying for and acceptance of the matching grant from Caltrans. This action is not recommended as the matching grant will fund an additional 5% of the FAA AIP grant amount for Project funding.
3. The Board could choose not to delegate signing authority to staff. This action is not recommended since delegated authority will enable the County to meet the FAA grant timeline requirements and allow staff to implement the grant activities in a timely manner.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Close coordination has occurred with the FAA regarding the Project and the scheduling of program funds. County Counsel will review the FAA grant agreements and approve as to form, prior to execution.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION