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13.

AIRPORTS COMMITTEE

Meeting Date:	11/04/2020
Subject: Discuss the Airport Innovation and Business Attraction Program, Buchanan Field and Byron Airport
Submitted For:	AIRPORTS COMMITTEE
Department:	Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter:		Contact:	Beth Lee 925-681-4200

Information

Referral History:

On January 16, 2018, the Board of Supervisors (Board) ratified the execution of a Letter of Intent between the County and the California department of Technology to partner in participating in the FAA sponsored Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Integration Pilot Program (IPP). District III, District IV, and Public Works Department – Airports staff continue to explore business opportunities with UAS companies. On October 8, 2018, 3DR conducted UAS pavement inspection testing at the Byron Airport. The test was successful and 3DR has requested that the County consider additional testing opportunities at Byron and Buchanan Field.

Referral Update:

Airport staff continues to market UAS and AI opportunities at Buchanan Field and Byron Airports. The most recent discussions have been with Wing and Kespry looking to conduct UAS testing operations at Byron Airport.

Additionally, two existing companies based at Buchanan Field (Volansi and XWing) have recently received new venture capital funding totaling $50,000,000 and $14,000,000 respectively.

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

Discuss the Airport Innovation and Business Attraction Program, Buchanan Field and Byron Airport.

Discuss the Airport Innovation and Business Attraction Program, Buchanan Field and Byron Airport. Continue to work with various UAS entities to explore business and partnership opportunities.

Fiscal Impact (if any):

The fiscal impact has generally been limited to the Airport Enterprise Fund and associated with staff time.

Attachments
No file(s) attached.