RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Director of Airports, or designee, to sign an acceptance of up to $140,000 of funds under the California Aid to Airports Program Grant Agreement-Federal AIP Matching Funds grant program to design, purchase and install replacement airport security equipment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no negative impact on the General Fund. The total cost of the project will be approximately $3,125,000. This amount will be fully funded in one of the following ways: (1) 100% by the FAA, or (2) 90% by the FAA, 4.5% by Caltrans, and 5.5% by the Airport Enterprise Fund.
BACKGROUND:
Buchanan Field is an FAA Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 certificated airport and must meet certain security requires as established by the FAA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In September 2009, the Board authorized a contract to design security upgrades at Buchanan Field Airport. In January 2011, the Board authorized the construction of security upgrades at Buchanan Field Airport. It is critical to continuously make security upgrades to maximize the benefits of new technology and replace aging equipment.
This new project will evaluate the existing security measures and determine which components should be replaced and or enhanced. The design consultant will then prepare a construction bid package to purchase and install the various security upgrades. The top priority of the project is the replacement of approximately 18,000 linear feet of existing security fencing. All other existing security mitigation measures will be evaluated for upgrades and or replacement, i.e. security lighting, access vehicle/pedestrian gates, closed circuit security cameras, access control system, and access ID card system. Additionally, new technology security systems and measures will be analyzed for possible addition/implementation at Buchanan Field.
Typically, the FAA funds only 90% of each airport project. As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, grant funding from the FAA may be up to 100% of this project. The Board authorized the Airport to participate in stimulus funding available through the CARES Act on April 28, 2020. If the FAA funds 90% of the cost of the project, the balance of the cost will be paid for through a combination of grant funding from Caltrans (in the amount of $140,000) and capital reserves from the Airport Enterprise Fund (in the amount of $172,500).
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The County will not receive the FAA and Caltrans Grant funding necessary to make the security upgrades at Buchanan Field, which will result in the project not being completed. The Airports Division would then work to continue to make necessary improvements with longer timelines.