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AIRPORTS COMMITTEE

Meeting Date:	02/12/2020
Subject: Discuss New UAS Test Site Partnership
Submitted For:	Keith Freitas
Department:	Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter:		Contact:	Beth Lee (925) 681-4200

Information

Referral History:

Discuss New UAS Test Site Partnership

This is a continuation of the efforts associated with the Airport Innovation and Business Attraction Program. 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 UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP). District III, District IV, and Public Works Department – Airports staff continue to explore business opportunities with UAS companies.

Referral Update:

In an effort to proactively position Buchanan Field and Byron Airport to attract aviation innovation and technology businesses (both established and emerging), Airports staff is in discussions with several of the FAA designated UAS Test Sites to explore possible partnerships. Currently, Airport staff has received interest in partnering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of North Dakota and New Mexico State University. The goal is to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would allow Buchanan Field and Byron Airports to become satellite FAA UAS test sites.

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

Direct Airport staff to continue to working with various UAS Test Sites to bring back, to the full Board, a partnership opportunity with an FAA designated UAS test site.

Fiscal Impact (if any):

The fiscal impact has generally been limited to the Airport Enterprise Fund and associated with staff time. There could be additional revenue, business and development opportunities associated with operating UAS test site facilities at Buchanan Field and Byron Airports.

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