Little River Airport Advisory Committee Meeting minutes from 19 January 2001 1. Open Meeting at 9:02am. 2. Present: Dick Ahrens, Dave Brewer, Trey Loy, Tim Scully. Excused: Tom Goncharoff, Willow Trent, Susan Winding. Guests: Laura Balows, Lucy Burr, Jane Crittenden, J.L.Fersch, Jr., Barbara Furey, Merrily Pence, Bob Rodrigues, Sally Stevens. 3. Minutes of previous meeting: approved. 4. Discussion of Dog Park: 4.1 Introduction by Bob Rodrigues: They are asking for airport property on which to build a dog park, operated by and for the community members, which would be self-funded and self-sustaining. They wish the old aircraft hangar area "A". They have 350 signatures of support, a committee plus sub-committees. They have discussed water, garbage cans, picnic tables, clean-up committee and crew, material sub-committee, site sub-committee, funding from donations at no cost to the County, information bulletin board, working with Little River Pets. 4.2 T.Scully: aviation versus non-aviation areas of airport, with photographs and map. The dog park should be in a non-aviation area. The requested area is in an aviation area. 4.3 Trey Loy: easier to get non-aviation land use in non-aviation areas. 4.4 Lucy Burr: one dog fight/5 years in Sonoma County. 4.5 Sally Stevens: minimal barking, few dog fights. 4.6 Laura Balows: East side of airport is too isolated. 4.7 Discussion: Land swap. 5. Introduction of pilot looking for local residence: J.L.Fersch, Jr., E-mail: laeagle@aol.com 6. Communications: 6.1 Scully to Townsend: re letter to owners. 6.2 Scully to Raabe: re deposit. 6.3 Letter re cancellation of December meeting. 6.4 Mendocino Beacon article. 6.5 Thorpe re utilities exchange 6.6 Regional transportation plan meeting: List of needed projects. 6.7 ICAS text. 6.8 Brewer: hangar information. 7. Discussion of preparation for meetings with Supervisors: 7.1 13 paid sign-ups for new hangars. 7.2 Specifications:sizes of hangars to match aircraft.. 7.3 Plot plan needed. 7.4 Letter re A/C sizes needed. 8. Next meetings: 16 February 2001, 16 March 2001. 9. Meeting adjourned 10:55am. The agenda for the next meeting is: Approve the minutes of the last meeting Communications (letters, FAXes, etc, sent/received since last meeting) Additional hangars at the airport will be the main focus of this and the next few meetings. A possible Dog Park at the airport will be discussed further. Reports from subcommittees Public comment Agree on a date, time and place for the next meeting Agree on agenda for next meeting Members of the Little River Airport Advisory Committee ------------------------------------------------------ Dick Ahrens pilot, airport neighbor Dave Brewer pilot, lives near airport Tom Goncharoff Trey Loy non-pilot, lives near airport Tim Scully inactive pilot (lost medical), computer programmer, lives near airport Willow Trent airport neighbor, non-pilot Susan Winding airport neighbor, non-pilot, business owner ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Stanley Townsend Sent: November 22, 2000 10:12 AM To: tim.scully Cc: Chuck Boyer (E-mail) Subject: RE: AAC comments re hangar letter Tim, I prepared the letter on direction from the Public Resources Committee. I suggested to the PRC (and they concurred) that I run a draft by the AAC, which I did (through you), incorporating your comments. I know the notice has already been sent to the newspapers for publication. The notice is very short, and none of your current comments are applicable to it. I'm not sure of the status of the letters to folks on the existing list (Chuck is coordinating this, and he is off today). If the letters have not gone out, I have no objection to changing the wording to reflect 2 years from the close of receipt of deposits (that would be 8 January 2003). I personally don't see any substantive difference between "most viable" and "most attractive", but I have no objection to that change either (if the letters have not gone out). I personally think that the letter is long and complicated enough without trying to address your points on impact on the existing list - I would suggest that we just assure those who ask in this regard. I'm out of town at a conference next week, but I'll leave instructions for Chuck. If you feel strongly in opposition to any of the above, bend Chuck's ear on Monday. He has my permission to make any revisions based on his judgement. -- Stanley Townsend, Director Mendocino County Department of Transportation 340 Lake Mendocino Drive Ukiah CA 95482-9432 -----Original Message----- From: tim.scully Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2000 8:25 AM To: townsens Cc: boyerc Subject: AAC comments re hangar letter The Little River Airport Advisory Committee met last Friday. The committee asked me to thank you for writing the comprehensive letter to prospective hangar renters, and the committee made the following suggestions: * It might be helpful to note that people who are on the waiting list for the existing rental hangars will not lose their place on that list if they decline to place a deposit for a new hangar. And, of course, people on the old waiting list will not lose their places if they put down a deposit and then get it back because the new hangars are not built (for some reason). * There was some debate in the committee over the notion that a State financed loan was the "most viable" option, we ended up agreeing that "most attractive" would be better. * We suggest that the 2 year period start at the end of the 30 day period in which deposits are solicited, rather than the date of receipt of each deposit. Lastly, the committee asked me to inquire if the Board approved sending the letters. Thank you again for the time you have spent on this project. Respectfully Yours, Tim Scully, Ph.D. Chair, LRAAC ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: tom goncharoff Sent: November 17, 2000 11:39 AM To: gutmanns Cc: susan winding; willow trent; tim scully; dick ahrens; Dave and Celia Brewer; chuck boyer; david colfax Subject: Membership in Little River Airport Advisory Committee To: Susan Gutmann, Clerk of the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors My term as a member of the Little River Airport Advisory Committee expires on January 1, 2001. I would very much like to continue as a member of this committee, and would appreciate being reappointed to serve an additional term. Sincerely, Tom Goncharoff ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tim Scully Sent: November 27, 2000 9:35 AM To: 'gutmanns Cc: Tim Scully Subject: Airport Advisory Committee position expiring To: Susan Gutmann, Clerk of the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors My term as a member of the Little River Airport Advisory Committee expires on January 1, 2001. I would very like to continue as a member of this committee, and would appreciate being reappointed to serve an additional term. Thank you. Respectfully, Tim Scully, Ph.D. Chair, LRAAC ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Susan Guttman Sent: November 27, 2000 1:07 PM To: tim.scully Subject: Re: Airport Advisory Committee position expiring Tim, I no longer work in the Clerk of the Board's Office. Please direct any future correspondence to rauj. She is handling committee "business" currently. I copied your message to Janelle. (My e-mail isn't working right now). Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Susan Gutmann ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tim Scully Sent: December 05, 2000 7:15 PM To: 'Bruce Raabe'; Tim Scully Subject: RE: Little River... Chuck Boyer will send you a detailed letter from Stan Townsend detailing the County's offer. I STRONGLY suggest that you contact Chuck Boyer at the Department of Transportation and get this letter before you send in a check. > -----Original Message----- > From: Bruce Raabe > Sent: December 05, 2000 2:58 PM > To: tim.scully > Subject: Re: Little River... > > > Is there a new list for people who actually send money or am > I still number 30 if I send $600? > Bruce > > tim.scully wrote: > > > According to my records you are number 30 on the hangar > waiting list. Chuck Boyer is the keeper of the official list, > he can confirm that. > > > > Bruce, the $450 figure was just the AAC recommendation. The > County Public Resources committee determined the final terms > for deposits for the new hangars. Chuck Boyer should have > sent (or will soon be sending) you a letter from Stan > Townsend soliciting a deposit of $600. You can contact Chuck > Boyer directly at the Mendocino County Department of Transportation. > > > > We are researching the cost of bringing utilities to the > hangars and hopefully this will be part of the project. > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Bruce Raabe > > Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2000 9:25 AM > > To: tim scully > > Subject: Little River... > > > > Tim- > > > > I am interested in making a deposit for the hanger rental > list. I sent a letter > > several years ago asking to be added to the wait list, though I never > > got a response. Am I on a list? > > > > Where do I send my $450? > > > > Are you planning on bringing water, telephone and electricity to the > > hangers? > > > > Also, I would suggest you avoid the cheap Port-a-port hangers and focus > > on building a quality product that will last and compliment > > the airport and your judgment years from now. There is nothing more > > unsightly than a row of dilapidated hangers. Just come by Gnoss for a > > look. > > > > Thanks again, > > > > Bruce > > > > -- > > Notice: All electronic correspondences are reviewed daily by the Collins > > & Company compliance officer as required by NYSE Rule 472. > > -- > Notice: All electronic correspondences are reviewed daily by > the Collins & Company compliance officer as required by NYSE Rule 472. > > ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tim Scully Sent: December 04, 2000 4:06 PM To: 'tom goncharoff'; Tim Scully Cc: Dave and Celia Brewer Subject: RE: Dec 15th Meeting Well, cancelling the meeting would also need the concurrance of all the committee members. Do either you or Dave want to poll them by phone and see if there is an objection? Didn't we tell Public Resources that we would update them in December? I guess I could let them know it'll be January if the committee agrees to cancel December. -----Original Message----- From: tom goncharoff Sent: Monday, December 04, 2000 4:06 PM To: tim.scully Cc: Dave and Celia Brewer Subject: Re: Dec 15th Meeting Tim, With the holiday rush and all of the attendant travel etc. I'm also in favor of canceling the December 15th meeting and suggest we have our next meeting in January. That will gave Dave and I additional time to get all the information we need to get. Tom ----- Original Message ----- From: To: ; < Cc: I'm not opposed to rescheduling the meeting, but we'd need to get the agreement of all committee members. I'm at work in Alameda today and our office is in turmoil (e.g., I don't have a working telephone at the moment). Are you up for calling the AAC members to see if they will agree to another date and time, and if the Woods has space for us then? You might start with Dick Ahrens and the Woods to see what dates/times are possible. > > Otherwise I favor continuing as scheduled with Tom filling in, with the idea that a short meeting is better than no meeting and some progress is better than none. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Dave Brewer [mailto: > Sent: Monday, December 04, 2000 3:31 PM > To: Tim Scully > Cc: Tom Goncharoff > Subject: Dec 15th Meeting > > > Tim, > > I'm making some progress on the hangar issue, but just realized that I have a big schedule conflict. Not only is Celia continuing to do nanny duty with the new twins but so am I. We are alternating weeks and my week includes 12/15/00. I am available 12/19-21, otherwise I suggest we blow off the December meeting. If you don't want to reschedule or cancel, I could bring Tom G. up to speed, but it wouldn't be as effective as if I were there myself. I'm talking to hangar manufacturers and utility companies and Tom is talking to the Eureka area airports > > Sorry about this, Dave > > ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tim Scully Sent: December 05, 2000 9:49 AM To: 'tom goncharoff'; dick ahrens Cc: willow trent; Tim Scully; susan winding; Dave and Celia Brewer Subject: RE: LRAAC Meeting December 15, 2000 Every comittee member's phone number is in the minutes of every meeting. Here's the contact information which is provided in the minutes: Members of the Little River Airport Advisory Committee ------------------------------------------------------ Dick Ahrens pilot, airport neighbor Dave Brewer pilot, lives near airport Tom Goncharoff Trey Loy non-pilot, lives near airport Tim Scully pilot, computer programmer, lives near airport commutes by air to Oakland weekly Willow Trent airport neighbor, non-pilot Susan Winding airport neighbor, non-pilot, business owner -----Original Message----- From: tom goncharoff Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2000 9:19 AM To: dick ahrens Cc: willow trent; tim scully; susan winding; Dave and Celia Brewer Subject: LRAAC Meeting December 15, 2000 Dick, Dave Brewer is not going to be able to make the December 15th meeting, and I have an unexpected Doctors appointment in Santa Rosa on that date and won't be able to make it either. Dave said he could make it later in the month, but with the holiday events and all, I am reluctant to commit to making any meetings. Could we agree to skip the December meeting and reschedule our future meetings for 2001? Please let me know. I don't have your telephone number, would you please send it to me? My number is xxx tom ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC NOTICE (from the Mendocino Beacon) In conjunction with a study of hangar space needs by the Little River Airport Advisory Committee, Mendocino County Department of Transportation is currently soliciting cash deposits in the amount of $600 as demonstration of interest in participation in a lease program for a limited number of new hangars proposed for construction at Little River Airport. Priority will be given to those on the current waiting list for the future hanagrs. All other priority determinations will be made baed on the time of receipt of deposit. Deposits must be received by the close of business on 8 January, 2001. For additional information on this program, contact Chuck Boyer at 463-4270. Published December 7, 2000. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tim Scully Sent: December 08, 2000 7:06 AM To: 'Dave Brewer'; Tim Scully Subject: RE: Pole Line From the ditch at the NW end of the existing hangar line to Airport Rd is about 950 feet. From the ditch at about the NW end of a new hangar row to Airport Rd. is about 750 feet because the road gets closer to the runway as we move NW. Is this what you need? -----Original Message----- From: Dave Brewer Sent: December 07, 2000 2:50 PM To: Tim Scully Subject: Pole Line I need an estimate of the distance we need to run power and telephone to the hangar site. I remember your having a map showing possible locations for the pole line to Airport Road. Would you please give me the measurement from that map? Dave ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tim Scully Sent: December 06, 2000 4:15 PM To: 'Dave Brewer'; Tim Scully Cc: Tom Goncharoff; Tim Scully Subject: RE: December Meeting I'll email out a cancellation and an agenda for January 19th. Thank you for polling everyone. -----Original Message----- From: Dave Brewer Sent: December 06, 2000 4:10 PM To: Tim Scully Cc: Tom Goncharoff Subject: December Meeting I'm writing this because Tom's computer is down. He contacted Susan and Willow and I contacted Trey. All are OK with canceling the December meeting. Tom has been unable to contact Dick either by email or phone. We don't think he'll have a problem with cancellation. The third Friday in January is the 19th. Is there something more we should do about scheduling that meeting? Dave ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tim Scully Sent: December 27, 2000 7:25 PM To: 'Little River Airport' Cc: Tim Scully Subject: Update of 10 year CIP Did you get a letter from Larry Wright about a meeting he's trying to organize in January to update the Capital Improvement Plan? Is it possible for you to particiate? I hope you had a good Christmas and that your New Year will be happy. Tim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: lrairpt Sent: December 28, 2000 7:52 AM To: tim.scully Subject: Re: Update of 10 year CIP Let me know when and were. I have not got a letter yet. Dave Thorpe Airport Supervisor Little River Airport ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dave Brewer Sent: January 04, 2001 5:26 PM To: Tim Scully; Dick Ahrens; Little River Airport Subject: MCOG Workshop Dick Ahrens, Dave Thorpe and I met at the Airport office today to come up with a list of possible uses for the $150K federal grant. The first three have to do with the GPS approach. 1. Cut trees which penetrate the 20:1 and 7:1 planes at the sides and at either end of the airport. It is likely that CDF will do the actual work. If so, the costs will be at the county DOT to administer the process leading to a decision to do the cutting. Maybe $20K? 2. In stall an ASOS. About $150K. Dave T. is willing to be trained in maintenance of the unit. 3. Land swap to provide access to trees at the approach end of rwy 29. Maybe $20K. 4. Finish the crack sealing on the runway and taxiways started by the county last year. Dave T. will get an estimate form the contractor who did the work. 5. Provide hangar infrastructure in the form of power and telephone for the proposed new hangars. Dave B. will get a rough estimate from PG&E. 6. Pave new runup areas for both runways. Estimate; 50' X 150' X $5/sq.ft. X 2 = $75K. 7. Install new lighting controller. Dave T. will get a cost. I can't speak for Dick, but Tim and Dave T. have my permission to add, delete and modify the above as they see fit. Dave Brewer ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Laurence N. Wright Sent: January 03, 2001 9:26 AM To: tim.scully Subject: Re: Aviation Program workshop Dear Tim, In response to your question re: ICASP 10-year projects it is my understanding from the Terry Barrie and from Ivan Karnezis at the Areonautics Program that we can adjust the porject desciptions, the projects identified, or the priority of projects anytime during the programming process prior to a Grant or funding allocation. So, if you have some adjustments that you think appropriate, write them upo and get them in to me. I can then adjust our submittal to them. Larry Wright tim.scully wrote: > Thank you. I will pass on this information. And I will look forward to > seeing you. > > Are we locked in to the ICASP project list, or do we have a chance for > second thoughts? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Laurence N. Wright > Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2001 2:00 PM > To: tim.scully > Subject: Aviation Program workshop > > Dear Mr. Scully, > > The workshop with the Aeronautics Program staff in attendance to answer > questions will be on January 17, at 1:00 PM in the afternoon. This will > give them time to drive over from Sacramento in of inclement weather > which would prohibit flying into Ukiah. I would appreciate it if you > will forward this information to the airport manager and county staff. I > will also call Chuck Boyer at the county an give him the same > information. I will be mailing out a complete copy of our ICASP > submittal. The CIP from the Action Plan will be the basis for our RTP > 10-year CIP project list. I will look forward to seeing you here at our > offices in Ukiah on the 17th. Our address is 367 N. State Street, Ukiah > CA, Suite 206 (the Victory Theater Building). > > Larry Wright, PE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Willow Trent Sent: January 02, 2001 10:21 PM To: Tim Scully, PhD; Dick Ahrens; dmb001; gonch; whistle Subject: Off to Kauai Dear Members of the Little River Airport Advisory Committee: I am very sorry for my recent absence at the last few meetings. At first I had a good excuse, I took some time out from my job to attend to my health needs which included some surgery on my foot. In November I simply scheduled something else during the usual meeting time completely forgetting. I was prepared to be very humble and apologetic at the December meeting however, that was ultimately canceled. The good news is I have retired and I will have more time to devote to activities such as the business of the Airport Advisory Committee. The bad news is that I am leaving for Kauai on January 7 and returning to Little River on April 6, 2001. Needless to say, I won't be flying home to make the meetings. I just don't know how to proceed at this point. I would like to remain on the committee and continue to get the minutes during my extended absence, but, that may be unfair to the other committee members. I am actually feeling much more relaxed than I have in years and any decision the committee chooses to make Yeah or Nay regarding my continued membership is fine with me. I am secretly hoping you won't kick me off. I would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy new year. I must say I have become fond of you all and it has been a pleasure being part of the committee, even though I have been absent both physically and psychically for a while. Aloha. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tim Scully Sent: January 11, 2001 4:31 PM To: 'Chuck Boyer' Cc: Tim Scully Subject: FW: MCOG Workshop Thank you for talking with me on the phone today, Chuck. I'm appending the rough 3 year project list which the pilot's group and Dave Thorpe developed last week. I'm looking forward to seeing you next week in Ukiah. The first three have to do with the GPS approach. 1. Cut trees which penetrate the 20:1 and 7:1 planes at the sides and at either end of the airport. It is likely that CDF will do the actual work. If so, the costs will be at the county DOT to administer the process leading to a decision to do the cutting. Maybe $20K? 2. Install an ASOS. About $150K. Dave T. is willing to be trained in maintenance of the unit. 3. Land swap to provide access to trees at the approach end of rwy 29. Maybe $20K for daministrative expenses. 4. Finish the crack sealing on the runway and taxiways started by the county last year. Dave T. will get an estimate form the contractor who did the work. 5. Provide hangar infrastructure in the form of power and telephone for the proposed new hangars. Dave B. will get a rough estimate from PG&E. 6. Pave new runup areas for both runways. Estimate; 50' X 150' X $5/sq.ft. X 2 = $75K. 7. Install new lighting controller. Dave T. will get a cost. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dave Brewer Sent: January 12, 2001 1:41 PM To: Tim Scully Cc: Tom Goncharoff; dmb001 Subject: Hangar Manufacturers and Contractors Following is a summary of contacts with vendors and contractors associated with hangars. -Crosswind Properties. Jeff Iversen. xxx Jeff is Bruce Raabe's partner. Their preferred mode of operation is to lease land from the airport and build hangars which they then rent out. They also prefer to build large hangars which can be rented to several airplane owners. His pitch is that it will cost more for the county to build the hangars and the county takes the risk of keeping them rented and maintained. -R & M Steel, Box 3198, Boise, ID 83703. Alex..... xxx Not very helpful. All custom work. No $ without a sketch of what we want. - American Steel Buildings. 124 Glen Echo Drive, Smyrna, TN. John Kelly. xxx All painted, galvanized metal. 20 year warranty. Partition walls @$3.50/sq ft. -Pacific Metal and Manufacturing. 2320 Ramada Dr., Paso Robles, CA 93446. Kim Kelly, Pres. xxx Although they manufacture Port-A-Port T hangars, he was pushing large hangars, big enough for 2-3 planes. The Port-A-Port Executive I would cost $15,429 FOB Paso Robles plus $700 delivery plus about $2,000 to erect on an existing pad. -Erecta Tube, Box 100, Harvard Ill, 60038. Randy Kirk. 815-943-4091 Most helpful. They have a 42'X33' unit with electric bifold doors which they can replicate 10 times to get 420'X33'. Cost is $126,670 delivered. His estimate is that we should be able to put them up for a total of $17-$18.50/ sq ft including the cost of the hangar,pads, and some underground services. This works out to $23,562-$25,641per hangar. Local salesman is Ken Keatts in Paso Robles at 805-226-9022. -Wedg Cor, Inc. 6800 East Hamden Ave, Denver, CO 80224. Andy Petre xxxx Can build whatever we want. 26 ga sheeting. Galvanized roof, painted walls. Paint guaranteed for 30 years. Dealer in Vallejo is Mark Miller at xx -Miracle Truss 505 N. Highway 169, Minneapolis, MN 55441. Chad Lashinski, xxx Not much demand for T's. $2.50-$3.50/sq ft to erect. $3.50/sq ft for concrete. Steel trusses, studded walls, steel sheet painted. Painted or galvanized roof. Paint guaranteed 25 years. Ocean-side location doesn't bother them. They have installations in Hawaii right on the water. -Keith Paulson. Not interested in building hangars. 35' poles $700-$800 in the ground if accessible to equipment. Approximately 100' between poles. -Les Mann, PG&E, Walnut St, Ft Bragg. xxx Rough guess: $20,000 to $25,000 to run a pole line in from Little River Airport Road to the site of the new hangars. Could probably put a short pole on the hangar side of the ditch. SUMMARY We can build a 10 hangar building with common walls between hangars. Painted steel walls and galvanized steel roofs appear to be adequate for our application. Our estimate of $30,000 per hangar appears to be OK. Using Electra Tube's estimate of $25,600 plus $2500 for electrical power plus $1000 for telephone (my guess) gives $28,200. Most of the manufacturers I talked to were in the business of building large buildings to the customer's specifications. These are the kinds of hangars we see going up at Ukiah and other airports for use by businesses rather than for aircraft storage. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dave Brewer Sent: January 12, 2001 1:44 PM To: Tim Scully Cc: Tom Goncharoff Subject: Fw: Airport Hangers ----- Original Message ----- From: "tom goncharoff" To: "dave brewer" Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2001 5:04 PM Subject: Fw: Airport Hangers > Dave, > This is the answer I received from the manager of Crescent City Airport. I > am not able to attend the meeting on the 19th, I am having eyelid surgery on > that date in Santa Rosa. Can you offer this information at that meeting for > me. If I get an answer about the Humboldt County Airports, I will forward > that to you also. > Tom > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Ernest Perry" > To: Cc: "Charleen Degross" ; "Tina > McClendon" > Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2001 10:17 AM > Subject: Airport Hangers > > > > The County of Del Norte is slowly phasing the ownership of the "private > hangers" over to the individual. We will and do lease the land upon which > the hanger sets to the individual. Of the 26 hangers, only six remain in > County ownership and are leased to individuals. We are shifting the > responsibility for maintenance to the individual and by selling the hanger > to the individual they then have an economic interest to maintain. In > response to your question regarding airport hangers, the following applies: > > > > 1. Yes. We have had a couple of new hangers built. These were private > > hangers. > > 2. Single aircraft hangers. > > 3. No special corrosion was required although advised. > > 4. The hangers set on concrete pads. Most of our local hangers tend to be > > wooden due to our proximity to the ocean. Metal, including aluminum > > corrodes. > > 5. The engineering division specifies the layout. The Building Inspection > > division inspects the construction as part of a builing permit. > > 6. Under our process, the "owner" is responsible to hire the contractor. > > 7. Utilities are available on a limited basis. > > 8. Costs are shifted to the "owner" under our ground lease program. > > > > I hope this answers your questions. Without spell check you will have to > > forgive any misspellings. > > > > Ernie Perry > > > > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/14/01 - Susan Winding called to say that she would have to miss the next AAC meeting - she'll be out of town on business. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mendocino Council of Governments 367 North State Street -Suite 206 -Ukiah, CA 95482 Phone (707) 463-1859 -Fax (707) 463-2212 January 10,2001 TO: All Airport Managers SUBJECT: Date for Planning and Programming Workshop A date has been selected for the workshop with Aeronautics Program staff from Caltrans to discuss the recent ICASP submittal and the enhanced FAA Grant Program. A copy of the ICASP for Mendocino County is enclosed for review and comment. I anticipate using the information in the ICASP for the Aviation Element in the updated Regional Transportation Plan. The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17,2001 at 1:00 p.m. Terry Barrie, the Aviation Planner for the North Coast, Bob Moore, Aviation Capital Improvement Program Manager, and other members of the Aeronautics Program staff will be available to answer questions and provide guidance for the grant application process. It is my understanding that all General Aviation Airports will be eligible for a maximum of $150,000 per year for three years to be applied to capital improvement projects. The funds can be accumulated for one project or distributed to several projects. All projects must be contained in the RTIP and reflected in the ICASP CIP. Grant requirements and criteria to be used to evaluate eligible projects will be discussed at the workshop. The workshop will be held at our offices at 367 N. State Street, Suite 202, Ukiah, Calif. (The Victory Theater Building). Parking is available at the rear of the building, or in the public parking lot on the east side of Main Street. If you have any questions or require further directions, please call me at (707) 463-180(). I look forward to seeing you at the workshop on the January 17. Sincerely, Laurence N. Wright, PE Deputy, Long Range Planning ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mendocino Council of Governments 367 North State Street -Suite 2,06- Ukiah, CA 95482 Phone (707) 463-1859 -Fax (707) 463-2212 November 21,2000 Mr. Terry Barrie, Aviation Planner Department of Transportation Aeronautics Program (M.S.- 40) 1120 N Street- Room 3300 P,O. Box 942874 Sacramento, CA 94274-0001 Re: Mendocino County ICASP Dear Terry: I am pleased to finally enclose the hard copies of the Mendocino County Interregional Califomia Aviation System Plan (ICASP) and Aviation Policies related thereto. As you know, I e-mailed these documents to you earlier this morning. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your help and assistance on this project, and I look forward to working with you again in the future. Should you have any questions regarding the enclosed, please give me a call. Sincerely, Laurence N. Wrigbt, P.E. Deputy , Long Range Planning LNW Enclosures Terry Barrie Itr. 11/21/00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- MENDOCINO COUNTY INTERREGIONAL CALIFORNIA AVIATION SYSTEM PLAN SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Executive Summary Six separate airports, dispersed geographically throughout the County, currently serve Mendocino County's aviation needs. The airfields serve a variety of functions ranging from Regional-Business/Corporate for the Ukiah Municipal Airport to Community-Local/Recreation for the Boonville Airport. Only Ocean Ridge Airport is privately owned and operated, which places the Airport outside of FAA and State Aeronautics Program funding support. Therefore the airfield at Ocean Ridge will not be included as part of the Interregional California Aviation System at the request of the Aeronautics Program staff. Only a descriptive information narrative for Ocean Ridge Airport will be included in this report section. Exhibit 1 shows the location of all of the airfields serving Mendocino County. These airfields serve a countywide population of approximately 90,000 persons and an employment base of over 30,000 jobs. The following is a summary of the individual airports serving the County: Ukiah Municipal Airport ----------------------- The Ukiah Municipal Airport is the largest, busiest and most developed of the North Coast airports between Santa Rosa (to the south) and Eureka/Arcata to the north. The Ukiah Municipal Airport serves as a regional airport, providing all weather access to the area for most of Mendocino and Lake Counties. The facility is owned and operated by the City of Ukiah. The airport is an enterprise activity within the city and as such is expected to pay its own way, as well as make a profit. It does. The Ukiah Airport provides a link between local general aviation uses and larger heavier uses provided by metropolitan airports, such as commercial passenger and cargo uses. The value of the Ukiah Airport can be seen in the daily activities that occur at the airport. These activities include recreational flying, pilot training and charter services, fuel and maintenance services, corporate and small business services, air freight and courier services, and fire and medical emergency aircraft dispatch, Ukiah Municipal Airport connects the North Coast to the regional, state and national airport system. Development potential at Ukiah is excellent, with a flurry of recent development activities leading the way. Currently, Ukiah is approaching 50,000 annual aircraft operations. Willits Municipal Airport ------------------------- The Willits Municipal Airport (Ellis Field) is located five miles west of the City of Willits. The City has a population of approximately 5,900, with 15,000 in the surrounding Mendocino County unincorporated area. The Willits Airport is the third largest airport in the County. In the 1960's, the Willits Airport was moved from the downtown area to its present location. The property was donated by several private individuals who felt the new location would provide better year-around access for incoming and outgoing aircraft. Upon completion, it was immediately deeded to the City of Willits, and it has been owned and operated by the City since that time. The City presently leases a large hangar-type facility to a Fixed Base Operator (FBO). Services provided by the FBO include certified mechanical repair, annual flight certification, pilot training and flight lessons. An Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter has been formed at the Airport with an active group of over 50 members. This group of volunteers has an agreement with the City to handle fuel concessions and minor maintenance around the airport in exchange for the use of the administration building for their meetings and luncheons. The Willits EAA members have been instrumental, through the donation of their time and materials, in refurbishing the administration building and setting up the present card-Iock system for fuel. Little River Airport -------------------- Little River Airport is located approximately 2.2 miles east of Highway 1, between Albion and Mendocino near the town of Little River. The airfield has the longest runway available in the County, with a runway length of 5,249 feet and a width of 150 feet. The airfield is operated by the County of Mendocino through a lease agreement with a Fixed Base Operator (FBO). The FBO provides fueling [sic] and auto rental services in addition to aircraft storage and pilot training. Little River Airport can be reached by the following routes: * If you are heading north along Highway 1, turn right (east) on Little River Airport Road, CR 404, then drive approximately 2.15 miles eastbound, then turn right (south) on no name road, CR 404B and continue to the end of the road. Welcome to Little River Airport. * If you are heading west on Comptche Ukiah Road (CR 223), turn left (south) on Little River Airport Road (CR 404), then drive approximately 3.85 miles westbound, then turn left on no name road (CR 404B), and continue to the end of the road. The airfield is an important aviation system link from local coastal communities to the rest of the County and the Northern California portion of the State. Round Valley Airport -------------------- Round Valley Airport serves the community of Covelo and the surrounding portions of Mendocino County. Round Valley, as a geographic area, is exactly as the name indicates, a round valley located in the northeast corner of the County, surrounded by mountains ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 feet in height. While Round Valley is not used with any frequency, it is an important link to the rest of the county and Northern California as well. If the only access road to the valley were to be blocked or washed out by winter storms, the Airport would be the only way to access the valley. For this reason, it is important to keep the airfield operable and functioning. Round Valley Airport is located approximately 0.5 miles west of Covelo. A portion of the Airport is within the Round Valley Indian Reservation, and obtaining title to the property for continued airport planning and operation remains an issue for the County of Mendocino. Boonville Airport ----------------- The Boonville Airport is a small, public use, general aviation airport owned by the Anderson Valley Community Services District. The Airport is located a quarter of a mile west of State Highway 128 and three-quarters of a mile north of the town of Boonville. At the present time an Airport Layout Plan (ALP) and Mini Master Plan funded by the State with local matching funds, is being developed by the consulting firm of Shutt Moen Associates of Santa Rosa. The ALP is expected to be completed and ratified by late August of this year (2000). The Airport has a functional classification of "community" and is primarily used for recreation aviation users. Ocean Ridge Airport ------------------- Ocean Ridge is a privately owned, family run airfield with a functional classification as a community airport facility. Ocean Ridge is located near the community of Gualala in the southwest corner of Mendocino County and serves a population of approximately 3,500 people. The airfield occupies approximately 30 acres, located one-halfmile south of the intersection of Old Stage Road and Pacific Woods Road. The airfield site is on the east side of Old Stage Road. The airfield primarily serves recreation flyers, but has a General Aviation FAA NPIAS Category classification. REGIONAL OVERVIEW Summary The five publicly owned and operated airfields that serve Mendocino County represent a wide range of service characteristics. Airport functional levels range from aggressive and economically viable operations at Ukiah Municipal Airport to a passive, little used Round Valley Airport, near the community of Covelo, operated by the County of Mendocino. Each airport in a sense reflects the different settings and populations that they serve. They also reflect the interest and concern of the agency responsible for airport operation. The City of Ukiah provides a full-time Airport Manager and two support staff for the Ukiah Municipal Airport. The Airport serves the Ukiah Valley sub-area of Mendocino County. This sub-area contains the administrative and governmental offices for Mendocino County and the City of Ukiah. The areas of highest population density are located in Ukiah Valley, with the City of Ukiah, and adjoining unincorporated communities accounting for a population of 35,000 residents. With air charter service, private aviation support services, and air cargo service, Ukiah Municipal Airport is able to provide a revenue stream sufficient to support airport operations. In essence the airport is self-sufficient. Unfortunately this cannot be said for the two airports operated by Mendocino County. Round Valley Airport, near the community of Covelo serves an estimated population of approximately 3,500 in the northeastern sub-area of the County. The airport primarily serves recreation flyers and occasional emergency service flights. The airport is lightly used with annual aircraft operations of approximately 2,000. Little River Airport located near the coast, about two miles inland from the community of Little River serves the coastal sub-area from Fort Bragg on the north to Point Arena on the south. The community of Mendocino is an additional population center along the coast served by this airport. Little River Airport is the most heavily used of the county operated airports with 14,500 [sic] annual aircraft operations. Approximately 20,000 resident located along the coast in various communities are served by the Little River Airport. The City of Willits operates a municipal airfield (Ells Field) which provides aviation service to the greater Willits area including the Brooktrails Community, a potential development of 6,000 dwelling units. The airport has one full-time employee responsible for day-to-day airfield operations and airport management responsibilities re:sting in the assistant city managers office. An airport commission governs the airport. The Commission and City Manager's office is currently updating the airport master plan. The future of the airport is tied to an aggressive program for facility improvements and expanded local use. The Boonville Airport has a functional classification as a "community" facility with a 3,240 foot long, 50-foot wide runway. There are presently very limited services at the airfield, basically providing only 12 Tie-Downs for transient aircraft. A minimal number of aircraft are considered as "based" at the airfield, but in reality are stored or hangared at private facilities adjacent to the airfield. Annual aircraft operations are in the range of 4,200 per year. The airport is operated and maintained by the Anderson Valley Community Service District and has recently appointed a volunteer airport manager who is taking an active role in airport development. The service area for the airfield includes the community of Boonville and the surrounding Anderson Valley with a population of approximately 7,500 residents. In order to complete the regional perspective, it should be noted that the Ocean Ridge Airfield located on the coast just north of Gualala, provides general aviation services for the coastal area from Point Arena south to Sea Ranch in Sonoma County. This provides additional services to the Little River Airfield located south of the community of Mendocino on the coast. These facilities provide excellent coverage and service opportunities for aviation use for the residents of Mendocino County. The quality of aviation services varies from airfield to airfield. However, the potential for establishing a uniform level of service clearly exists. Additional details for each facility is identified in the following description: Ukiah Municipal Airport ----------------------- The Ukiah Municipal Airport provides a broad range of services to the general aviation community. In the City of Ukiah and the surrounding Mendocino and Lake County areas, Ukiah Municipal Airport is the largest airport in Mendocino and Lake Counties. The airport is located adjacent to the south end of the City of Ukiah, and is approximately one-half mile west of Highway 101. Ukiah is the county seat for Mendocino County and is situated near the southern end of a long narrow valley. Mendocino County is bordered by Sonoma County to the south, Humboldt County to the north, Lake County to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The terrain in Mendocino County is variable with steep mountains, pleasant valleys and rolling hills, The Ukiah Airport is classified by the State of California as a General Utility Airport with a functional classification of Regional-Business/Corporate. As such, the Ukiah Airport provides full services to the general aviation and business aviation community. The Ukiah Airport has a FAA determined runway length of 4,410 feet, based on a relocated threshold on the approach end of Runway 15. The runway is 150 feet wide, and was reconstructed and resurfaced in 1989. The runway and taxiway were seal coated in 1998 with funding from the Division of Aeronautics, and is in excellent condition. The projected growth for Ukiah and general aviation is rather light, but the current economy seems to be contributing to an increase in aircraft sales, operations and flight training. The current number of Annual Aircraft Operations is 45,000 per year. A total of 100 aircraft are based at the Airport, including 86 single-engine, 8 multi-engine and 2 helicopters. The remaining aircraft are gliders and ultralight aircraft. While the Airport has no jet engine aircraft based at the field, jet aircraft can land and take off from the present runway. Aircraft parking is comprised of the following: 50 T-Hangars, 40 Tie-Downs, 14 shelters and space for 23 transient aircraft. The runway can accommodate IFR and VFR operations and the Airport is an all weather facility with full AWOS capability. Willits Municipal Airport ------------------------- The Willits Airport has a 3,000 foot long runway, 75 feet wide, with a 25 foot wide taxiway for Runway 16. Airport lighting is pilot-controlled by switching to the local airport frequency and clicking their microphones five times. This saves in maintenance and electrical costs to the City throughout the year. The Airport has an estimated annual operations count of 5,600. There are presently 23 aircraft housed in hangars year-round, along with 35 Tie-Downs for transient pilots. There are 23 based aircraft at the Airport comprised of 22 single-engine and one multi-engine aircraft. The runway can currently accommodate VFR operation. The Willits Airport is in the Interregional California Aviation System Plan (ICASP) that serves Willits and the surrounding Little Lake Valley area in the General Aviation category, with a functional classification of Community-Recreation. This service area includes Willits, Brooktrails Subdivision, the Little Lake Valley and Pine Mountain. Airport activities include recreational, charter, emergency, cargo and corporate flying. The Willits Airport does not provide commercial airline passenger services. The Airport provides training facilities, fueling facilities and power plant and airframe repair facilities. The flight pattern for the Airport has an established approach from the south and departure from the north. This pattern provides the safest approach and departure, as well as keeping aircraft away from the heavier populated areas. The Willits Airport is situated on 75 acres of City-owned property that is zoned A and B-l. If the runway is extended in the future, a portion may be zoned C. The Airport property is relatively narrow but has the potential for limited commercial growth to the west. There is property on the east and south side of the airport that (:ould possibly be purchased for any future expansIon. Boonville Airport ----------------- Boonville Airport has one 3,200 x 50 foot unlighted runway with turn-a-round/holding pads at each end and can accommodate only VFR operations. There are no taxiways; and all taxiing must be accomplished via the runway in use. The Airport is in the FAA category of General Aviation with a functional classification of Communi1y. At the present time, there are twelve transient parking places, three at the midpoint on the east side in the grass, and nine on the hard surfaced parking area at the southwest corner of the field. Tie-Downs are provided at each transient parking place. There are no fuel or maintenance (FBO) operations at the airport. Operations and maintenance of the airport is dependent on funding from the State and the work of local volunteers. There are 13 aircraft presently based at the Airport, all housed off-airport on privately owned adjacent properties. Current flight operations at the Airport are in the range of 4,200 annually which is a slight decrease from previous estimates of 5,000. Boonville airport serves as a supplemental operational point for CDF fire fighting helicopters and emergency medical helicopters. The Airport also serves as a reliever/backup for both the Little River and Ukiah Airports when they are closed due to inclement weather. A wide range of flight categories can use the airfield including corporate, agriculture, training, sport, tourism, and emergency/disaster uses. A consultant has been retained to complete a FAA-approved Airport Layout Plan and Mini-Master Plan utilizing a $50,000.00 dollar grant from the FAA. The projected completion date for the Plan is sometime in September of 2,000. Little River Airport -------------------- Little River Airport has an active citizens advisory group and has the cooperation of aircraft owners who are based at the Airport in addressing airport needs. The runway at Little River Airport is 5,249 feet long and 150 feet wide accommodating VFR operations. The runway and taxiways were fog-sealed and restriped in 1999. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors requested that the FAA develop non-precision GPS instrument approaches for the Airport in 1999. However, no action has been taken at this time. The number of based aircraft is currently 22, which include 19 single-engine, one multi-engine and one ultralight aircraft. Current flight operations at the airfield are in the range of 6,800 annually, and are expected to grow only modestly over the next 20 years. Aircraft parking is accommodated 24 T-Hangars, all occupied at the present time, and 34 Tie-Downs, of which two are currently occupied. Little River Airport provides primarily recreation flying, but also has some corporate users. During the past year, the Airport provided service for 60 medical emergency flights and 12 search and rescue flights. AVGS fuel and auto rental services are available at the Airport. The fuel is accessed through a card lock system from above ground fuel tanks. The previous underground fuel tanks have been removed. The Airport Operations Building has been recently refurbished through volunteer efforts of local pilots. The Airport has a functional classification as a Community Airport. Round Valley Airport -------------------- Round Valley Airport is a FAA NPIAS General Aviation category airport with a Community functional classification. The Airport is in much the same status as when the 1994 Regional Transportation Plan was up-dated in 1996. Therefore, the same issues will be restated here for the ICASP. Round Valley Airport at Covelo is an unmanned airport with no services available other than limited parking and storage for aircraft. A previous AVGS fueling station has been removed from the field. A land survey conducted almmost 20 years ago revealed that the Airport office, restrooms, and parking lot are in fact on land owned by the Covelo Indian Community. After years of negotiation, a land exchange was worked out in 1990. Since then, the County has been leasing the land in order to keep the existing facilities functioning. Round Valley receives an annual California Aid to Airports Program Grant that has been utilized to maintain the Airport to a fair level of service. Although flight activjty is low at this County maintained airport (an estimated 2,000 Annual Aircraft Operations), Round Valley Airport is an important element in the regional transportation system. The service area for the Airport (Covelo and Round Valley) is a rural, sparsely populated (estimated 2,500 residents), portion of Mendocino County with limited road access. A single all weather highway (SR-162) links the valley to US-101 and the rest of the County. Disruptions to Route 162 travel due to flooding, earthquakes, or landslides could easily isolate the Round Valley area. The issue of ownership and control of the land necessary for the continued operation of Round Valley Airport remains unresolved. The Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) has urged the County to finalize the proposed land trade with the Covelo Indian Community so that the future of Round Valley Airport as a part of the County Aviation System can be secured. The airport runway is 3,670 feet long and 55 feet wide. The field is good repair as a recent weed abatement and crack patching have been completed on the asphalt concrete runway. There are currently eight aircraft based at Round Valley Airport, comprised of seven single-engine and one multi-engine aircraft. Aircraft parking at Round Valley Airport is provided by seven T-Hangars, six Tie-Downs and transient parking space for six aircraft. The attention and effort needed to improve facilities at Little River and Round Valley Airports has been severely restricted over the past decade. Due to chronic financial constraints, unfilled engineering positions, and heavy demands from other modal areas, the County Department of Transportation is unable to respond to even the simplest requirements. The ability to prepare detailed project plans, specifications and cost estimates is severely limited to the point of non-existence. Preparation and submission of grant applications for County Airports has simply been beyond consideration by County staff. In addition, although state/federal grant funds may become available, providing the required local matching funds remains difficult. ISTEA funds that might be used as a local match have historically been applied to higher priority transportation system needs. With the development of an active Local Citizens Advisory Committee for Little River Airport, the County can take a more proactive role at this airport. AIR PASSENGER FORECASTS AND TRENDS Ukiah Municipal Airport ----------------------- The operational uses at the Ukiah Municipal Airport vary a great deal. The facility serves a variety of users, providing quality service to the general aviation community. The flavor of the Airport has changed over the past 25 years from a recreational, "let's go flying" airport to more of a business and commercial use facility .The main uses of the facility have turned into the business flyer and cargo hauler, the fire fighting base, fueling stop, and medical response helicopter base. Ukiah Airport is also where those wanting to visit the coast areas land because of fog on the coast. Although the uses of the airport are evolving and expanding, there are still a number of active home built and experimental aircraft based at the airport, including ultralight aircraft. Annual operations are currently estimated at 50,000 and are not expected to increase more than one percent per year through 2010. Ukiah serves a variety of aircraft types, including single and multi-engine, jet, rotor wing, experimental, and ultralight aircraft; and is also used by hot air balloons when Sonoma County areas are too foggy for them to operate. Activity is increasing daily and may prove the activity forecast wrong. All indications are for a positive future for the Ukiah Municipal Airport as it continues to develop in a well-planned manner. The economic impact of this Airport is very positive, with the airport contributing millions of dollars to the local economy, as well as providing more than 50 jobs. At present, the Ukiah Airport provides limited commercial passenger service on an experimental basis. Sun Air provides a scheduled service on Tuesdays and Thursdays, connecting to Sacramento and Oakland International Airports. The flights leave Ukiah Municipal Airport at 0730 in the morning and again at 1735 in the afternoon. Flights are on a seven passenger Cessna aircraft. Since the 1940s there have been at least four different companies that have attempted to start air service to and from Ukiah with varying degrees of success, but unfortunately, none with lasting success. The lack of a regular commercial air service creates a hardship for those wishing to make air connections at San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose or Sacramento airports. There have been a number of discussions with companies hoping to resume commercial service from Ukiah, but typically, financing or a lack of, puts an end to the plans. Ukiah has demonstrated its willingness to assist those wishing to begin service, since commercial air service can only enhance the life style of those wishing to travel outside of Mendocino and Lake Counties. It is hoped that in the near future a regular, viable service can be established. Willits Municipal Airport ------------------------- The Willits Airport carries the designation of Community-Recreation airport facility. The facility serves a multitude of user types, providing service to a broad spectrum of general aviation customers. The predominate uses of the facility are for recreational and tourism functions, medical emergency, law enforcement activity, disaster/emergency services, and pilot training. Annual aircraft operations currently exceed ICASP operations estimates, although only by a small amount; and are expected to grow at a modest growth rate over the next 20-year period. The Willits Airport serves a variety of aircraft types, which include single engine, multi-engine, experimental, helicopter, and ultralight units. Activity at the facility is increasing daily as a renewed interest in general aviation is seen through the community and region. All indications point to a positive "pull" for the Willits Airport facility as it becomes more popular with service providers, entrepreneurs, government agencies and the general public. The availability of a 24-hour AVGS facility at the Willits Airport also attracts people from across the county to buy fuel. Boonville Airport ----------------- The Boonville and Anderson Valley areas are experiencing an increasing amount of tourist traffic and a continual increase in the general permanent population as the area becomes better known and more popular. This is resulting in an attendant increase in aircraft operations related to both the pleasure flying of local residents and visitors and the increasing use of air travel as related to the local business operations, primarily the wine industry. It is anticipated that this upward trend will continue for the foreseeable future. Past estimates for annual flight operations appear to be inaccurate and a more reliable estimate is being detern1ined. There are no scheduled or planned passenger/cargo operations at the Boonville Airport. Little River and Round Vallev Airports -------------------------------------- These two County-operated airports serve relatively isolated and distinctly different areas. There is no scheduled or charter services available at either airport. Little River Airport is an access point for aviation on the north coast, located just south of the town of Mendocino. Round Valley Airport is located in the northeast corner of the County near the community of Covelo and provides aviation access for emergency and local uses. The actual amount of potential air passenger demand is not known, however demand from the Round Valley Airport would be very low based on the demographics of the service area, while Little River Airport would be low to moderate based on it's service area characteristics. Summary ------- Currently all air passenger demand related to scheduled flights must use one of three airports: San Francisco International, Oakland International or Sacramento International. In order to reach these terminals, ground travel by either automobile or bus must be arranged. Charter air service is available on a limited basis from Ukiah Municipal Airport to connect to these International Airports. AIR CARGO DEMAND FORECASTS AND TRENDS Ukiah Municipal Airport ----------------------- Five freight and air courier companies currently provide air freight and courier service. There are typically 10 flights in and out of Ukiah daily, carrying mostly freight and some courier work. It has been estimated by the haulers and couriers that they carry more than two million pounds of packaged commodities annually, and expect that number to continue to grow. Ukiah, although not a freight hub, is the central location for air freight delivery to the North Coast area. Other Regional Airports ----------------------- Other than occasional small package delivery, none of the remaining regional airports provide aIr cargo servIce. ANALYSIS OF AVIATION CAPACITY ISSUES Ukiah Municipal Airport ----------------------- The Ukiah Municipal Airport has an extensive amount of unused capacity. The Master Plan, completed in 1996 indicates that the facility can accommodate hourly capacities of 60 Visual Flight Rules (VFR) aircraft operations or four Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations. The overall operational capacity of the facility based upon current traffic peaking characteristics, indicates an ability of the runway and taxiway systems to accommodate approximately 180,000 annual operations. The facility is more than adequate to meet the foreseeable future operational demands of the area. This provides an opportunity to further expand service and operations based on a current demand of 45,000 annual aircraft operations and an estimated capacity of 180,000 annual operations. The Airport has a limited amount of developable land remaining for additional aircraft storage and business use. The Airport is located two miles from the center of town and adjoins the south end of the city. Protection of flight paths and corridors is a concern of the County Airport Land Use Commission, Ukiah Airport Commission and Ukiah City Council. Although there are currently no major noise constraints at the Airport, efforts are being made to institute a quiet flying program to protect airport operations. The City of Ukiah and both Commissions are active in reviewing land use issues that potentially could affect operation of the Airport. Of concern to the MCOG is the persistent tendency by the City of Ukiah to rezone the available Industrial and Business acreage adjacent to the Airport to "Big Box" commercial uses. This not only reduces the ability of the airport to expand, but introduces uses that can potentially inhibit increased airport activities. It is hoped that with an aggressive management of the airport and development of improved airport support facilities, industrial/business uses can be attracted to the existing available land. Willits Municipal Airport ------------------------- The Willits Municipal Airport facility has a certain amount of unused capacity. The overall operational capacity of the facility based upon current traffic indicates an ability of the runway and taxiway system to accommodate additional operations. The airport can accommodate an approximate 125,000 annual aircraft operations based on a VFR capacity of 40 operations per hour. The facility is more than adequate to meet the foreseeable future operational demands of the area and also provides an opportunity to further expand service and operations. The Airport is located five miles from the center of downtown Willits, in an area that has a lower density of development, and where the protection of flight paths and corridors can be maintained. The local Airport Land Use Commission is committed to maintaining the appropriate airspace clearances to protect the facility over the long-range outlook. There are no major noise constraints imposed at the Willits Municipal Airport. Conflicts with surrounding properties are minimal, primarily due to the relatively low development densities in areas lying within designated flight paths. The City and the Commission have been active in reviewing land use issues that can potentially affect the operation of the facility. Ground access to the Willits Municipal Airport is a scenic 10-minute drive from the north of Willits,just off State Highway 101. This drive takes in some breathtaking redwoods and countryside as you wind your way up to the Airport. Willits will be of increasing interest to the business industry in meeting the aviation needs required by a growing population desiring access to the region and the nation's air transportation facilities. Boonville Airoort ----------------- Boonville Airport is not planning any major future expansions. The runway cannot be extended due to the proximity of a hill and houses at the north end and the County road at the south end. There is a current demand for hangar facilities on the field, which will be addressed in the pending Airport Layout Plan (ALP). The presence of these facilities would provide additional income for continued airport maintenance and improvement. The transient parking area is partially completed. The base material and anchored tie-down points are in. The asphalt overlay needed for completion will be installed as funds become available. Funding for any projects contemplated for the airport is strictly dependent on State or Federal funds. The anticipated cost of paving the transient parking area is $50,000. Little River and Round Valley Airoorts ------------------------------- Little River Airport has an extensive amount of unused capacity, although not as large as Ukiah Municipal Airport or Willits Municipal Airport. Little River can accommodate approximately 35 VFR aircraft operations per hour and an estimated capacity of 100,000 annual operations. As stated in previous sections, current demand at Little River Airport is approximately 6,800 annual aircraft operations. The facilities at Little River Airport can accommodate the current level of demand, however, additional hangar and aircraft parking will be required if more aircraft are to be based at the Airport. The Airport does have developable land available for future expansion, however, the area currently is covered by trees and brush which interferes with aircraft operation. The Little River Airport Pilots Association has surveyed the height and location of many of the trees that pose the greatest problem around the Airport, but an action plan for dealing with the trees has not yet been developed. Noise associated with aircraft operations is currently not a major problem. However, the surrounding community is very sensitive to aircraft noise. Measures to minimize future noise-related conflicts between the Airport and surrounding properties will be important factors to be considered by the County in future airport development. Measures to be considered will include aviation easements and noise attenuation construction techniques to protect property owners from future problems. Little River Airport adopted a noise abatement policy developed by the Airport Advisory Committee in late 1996. The Airport Master Plan was completed in February 1990, and the present Airport Advisory Committee has begun the long process of updating this plan. The Round Valley Airport, located near the community of Covelo, experiences relatively little use, and with an estimated 2,000 annual aircraft operations, no significant capacity issues. Even with the limited daytime use and the limitations of a narrow runway, the hourly VFR aircraft capacity of 30 operations per hour is never approached. The overall capacity of the Airport is, at a minimum, 60,000 annual aircraft operations. This places current operations far below this capacity. The issue of ownership and control of the Airport office, parking, and restroom facilities still awaits final action. Currently, as discussed in previous sections, the County leases the facilities from the Round Valley Indian Tribes on an annual lease that is renewed each year. The runway and other property are currently on County-owned property. A land swap has been proposed to the Round Valley Indian Tribes and negotiations between the County and Round Valley Indian Tribes' representatives continue on a sporadic basis. The County recently rezoned low-density agricultural land east of the Airport to commercial to accommodate a hardware store. The previous zoning had been related to an airport protection zone when expansion of the Airport was considered a viable possibility. Information regarding the County's future plans for this Airport is not available. Exhibits 2, 2a, 3 and 3a provide details for Little River Airport and Round Valley Airport layouts respectively. The airspace designation for all Mendocino County airports is Class G, and all airports are currently open for use by the general public. Ground access to all of these airports is provided by county roads or state highways. All of these roads are in good repair. INTERREGIONAL CALIFORNIA AVIATION SYSTEM PLAN (lCASP) MENDOCINO COUNTY Aviation Policies I. Overview ----------- The purpose of the Aviation Policies section of the ICASP is to refine and discuss the policies that will guide the future direction of airports located in Mendocino County. More specifically, discussion and refinement of policies for airports that are owned and operated by pubic agencies. The reason for this lies in the eligibility requirements for funding established by the F AA and the State Aeronautics Program for improvement project assistance. Privately owned airports are excluded from federal and state assistance. The primary supporting document used for development of airport policies is the 1996 update to the 1994 Mendocino County Regional Transportation Plan. In addition to the plan document, direct communication and input from staff responsible for management of each airport was obtained. This information has been incorporated into the preparation of this section. This ICASP Aviation Policies document is composed of the following three components: 1. GOALS - What are the overall goals which can be applicable for five different airports owned and operated by four separate entities? The goals are defined in relationship to the existing and projected role of aviation in serving the Mendocino County region. 2. Policies - Policy statements from the Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) will reflect a regional perspective regarding direction of aviation facilities future use and development. The various local jurisdictions responsible for each airport have adopted policies, prepared Airport Master Plans, and other related ordinances affecting airport operation that serve as the basis for this component. 3 Objectives - Where specific information is available, short-term (0-10 years) and long-term (10-20 years) objectives are identified for each of the airports in the regional aviation system. 2. Goals -------- The 1996 Mendocino Countv Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) is the most current regional plan available which addresses all five airports. This plan document is currently in the process of being updated, therefore, the aviation goals and related information will be even further refined as specific details regarding each airport emerge. The status of the 2000/01 RTP will be discussed later in the Policies section. Two primary goals can be stated for the Mendocino County ICASP: * Provide continued support and coordination for the establishment of well-maintained, safe and efficient aviation facilities operating in Mendocino County * Coordination activities at each facility will focus on enhancement of each airport's role in meeting regional and interregional needs related to both commercial and general aviation. Support for the continued improvement of aviation facilities in Mendocino County will focus on ensuring that plans and programming are represented in regional documents; and that financing of critical improvements is provided by appropriate governmental entities. * Ensure that each jurisdiction of local government responsible for the future of aviation facilities enacts and implements policies that protect and maintain properties available for expansion of airport activities, enact and maintain adequate compatible zoning of adjacent property, and in general, encourage economic development that maintains viability of airport operations. In addition to the above overall goals for the countywide aviation system, additional goals have been articulated for individual airports in Mendocino County. The following goals have been communicated to MCOG staff for inclusion in the ICASP. UKIAH REGIONAL AIRPORT GOALS ---------------------------- The Ukiah Valley is on the leading edge of a substantial increase in commercial and business development in Mendocino County. There continues to be a steady increase in business operations that are affiliated with the wine, lumber, retail and high technology industries. The Ukiah Regional Airport will be a major factor in the future growth on the Ukiah Valley and County. The following specific goals have been identified: * Protect the Ukiah Regional Airport from current and potential development of surrounding properties. This protection will involve acquisition of available properties in the vicinity of the Airport, careful zoning of properties for aviation compatible land uses, and land use decisions based on long-term economic development potential. * Pursue aggressive development of aviation compatible businesses and services that provide high wage employment opportunities. * Develop commercial air service to meet transportation needs of north coast for both passenger and freight demands by enhancement of Airport facilities. WILLITS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT (ELLS FIELD) -------------------------------------- The City of Willits is currently in the process of reviewing and updating the Airport Master Plan. As a part of this process the Airport Commission, citizen advisory groups, and City staff are evaluating the development potential for aviation-related businesses and activities adjacent to Ells Field. The following goal reflects this focus: * Improve the economic climate of the City through improved Airport facilities, planning and zoning of related properties for aviation related uses; and protection of current and future Airport expansion activities. LITTLE RIVER AIRPORT - MENDOCINO COUNTY --------------------------------------- Little River Airport is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with the re-establishment of an active citizens advisory group and recent County Board of Supervisors actions funding improvements to the landing strip. The following goal reflects current priorities: * Maintain and upgrade facilities at Little River Airport through direct County action and State/Federal funding to provide safe and efficient airport operations that will meet both commercial and general aviation needs. BOONVILLE AIRPORT - ANDERSON VALLEY ----------------------------------- The Boonville Airport is located in Anderson Valley and is operated by the Anderson Valley Community Service District. The Anderson Valley is a center for agriculture and at a mid-point between the US-101 Corridor and the Coast. The Airport Advisory Committee has retained a consultant who is preparing an Airport Layout Plan and Mini-Master Plan for the Airfield. It is expected that specific goals for the Airport will be identified in the Plan documents. An interim goal for the Airport is as follows: * Provide a well-maintained, safe and efficient airport in order to meet current and future aviation needs of local residents, and supplemental operation needs for CDF fire fighting helicopters and emergency medical helicopters. 3. Policies 3.1 Regional Transportation Plan -------------------------------- The Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) is the designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) for the County. As such, MCOG prepares an Overall Work Program (OWP) each fiscal year and an RTP update every four years. The RTP is a long-range (20-year) decision-making document that also contains a short-range (10-year) capital improvement program to guide needed improvements. The short and long-range programs are required for inclusion in the RTP by state law and provide a "snapshot in time" of the transportation system in Mendocino County .The RTP explains what transportation facilities exist, (airports for example) where improvements are needed and what alternatives are possible. The RTP also describes how funding of these improvements is be to be achieved. The RTP is the primary document available to define and explain the aviation-related policies for the County. The current document was last updated in 1996, and the process of revising the RTP for the 2000/01 update is going forward concurrently with the ICASP preparation. Therefore, new data for many of the County's airports is available for input to the ICASP, as well as information from the 1996 RTP. A draft document for the updated RTP is expected to be completed by the summer of 2001. The aviation policies, goals and objectives are therefore preliminary in nature and will be revised as appropriate with the completion of 2000/01 RTP Aviation Element. The following policies are proposed for inclusion in the ICASP: * Regional priorities and financial requirements for each of the publicly owned and operated airports will be reviewed and evaluated annually by MCOG staff, (as part of the Overall Work Program development process). Total aviation systems performance in meeting the mobility needs of commerce and passenger travel, together with the special needs of agriculture, industry, recreation and emergency services will be assessed. * Maintain and improve existing public owned regional airports based on current and projected needs, aviation system priorities, and financial constraints. * Development plans and programs for each airport should be based on an adopted master plan, and updated every ten years to reflect changes in demand and priorities. * Provide adequate public transit service on streets and roads improved to County/City standards to each public owned regional airport consistent with roadway classification, established access need, transit performance criteria, and financial constraints. * Explore and develop methods of generating airport revenues that will facilitate making each airport self-sufficient. These methods might include promotion of tourism using aviation, attracting light, non-polluting, aviation-related industries, and implementing land use/zoning designations creatively to develop hotels and restaurants for aviation users. * Regional aviation facilities should be environmentally sensitive and, to the greatest extent possible, owner/agencies should cooperate to develop adequate noise control measures, consistent with airport operation ordinances and adjacent land use regulations. 3.2 Airport Noise and Surrounding Land Uses -------------------------------------------- Not all of the regional airports currently operating in Mendocino County have adopted an airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). However many of the jurisdictions which own and operate the airports have adopted ordinances and regulations related to land use compatibility . The following is a brief description of airport noise and land use planning status in each of the pertinent jurisdictions. Ukiah Regional Airport - The City of Ukiah owns and operates the Municipal Airport. This Airport does not have a separate adopted airport CLUP, but has an adopted 1996 Master Plan for future airport development. Chapter Seven of the 1996 Master Plan has been adopted by the Ukiah City Council as a stand-alone CLUP for the Airport. The Master Plan in Chapter Seven, identifies the 55, 60 and 65 Community Noise Equivalent Levels (CNEL) surrounding the Airport. Although there are currently no major noise constraints at the Airport, the City of Ukiah has recently adopted an airport "good neighbor" policy which institutes a quiet flying program to protect airport operations. Zoning for developable parcels surrounding the Airport are either zoned industrial or have been rezoned to commercial uses that do not interfere with Airport operations. Willits Municipal Airport (Ells Field) - The City of Willits owns and operates Ells Field as a general aviation airport, and is currently in the process of revising the Master Plan for the field. The City of Willits does not have an adopted airport CLUP for the Airport, but has instead adopted a set of overall guiding policies for airport development and operation patterned after the recommended land use compatibility guidelines of the County of Mendocino. The Airport is located in an area that has a lower density development and where protection of flight patterns and corridors can be maintained. The Master Plan identifies the 55, 60 and 65 CNEL contours, and there are no major noise constraints imposed at Willits Municipal Airport (Ells Field), primarily due to the relatively low development densities in areas lying within designated flight paths. The City and Airport Land Use Commission are committed to preserving airport flight paths for continued long-term development through active review of land uses and proposed; development that can potentially negatively affect the operation of the Airport. Little River and Round Valley Airports - The County of Mendocino operates both of these airports, however only Little River Airport is totally under County ownership. The current Master Plan for Little River Airport was completed in February of 1994, and the Little River Airport Advisory Committee has begun the long process of updating the plan. Round Valley completed an Airport Land Use Plan in 1993 in anticipation of a land trade between the County and the Round Valley Indian Tribes that would place the entire Airport under County ownership. At this point in time no land exchange agreement has been negotiated. The Round Valley Airport currently functions under a lease agreement, (that is renewed each year) with the Indian Tribes for use of the Airport office, restrooms and parking lot. The County of Mendocino has amended the existing County General Plan to include land use compatibility guidelines for airport operation and expansion. While an adopted airport CLUP does not exist for the County owned airports, the guidelines in the General Plan serve as general polices for future airport development. The Master Plans for both airports include an environmental assessment section that identifies the 55, 60 and 65 CNEL surrounding the airports. The County has adopted a noise abatement policy for Little River Airport based on guidelines developed by the Airport Advisory Committee in late 1996. There is no adopted noise policy for the operations at Round Valley Airport. Boonville Airport-Anderson valley --------------------------------- The Airport is constrained by a very limited amount of acreage and has little direct impact on adjacent properties. The consulting firm of Shutt Moen and Associates is fmalizing an Airport Layout Plan (ALP) and Mini-Master Plan to guide future development of the Boonville Airport. The Airport Commission has select one of three alternatives for refinement and preparation of an Airport Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Issues regarding property interest integrity and acquiring additional adjacent property for future expansion of the Airport will also be considered in the ALP Report. The guidelines identified in the Mendocino County Land Use Plan for land use compatibility policies apply to the Boonville Airport, as the Boonville community is part of the unincorporated area administered by the County. A CLUP as such does not exist for the Boonville Airport. 3.3 Local Rules and Regulations Affecting the Airports ----------------------------------------------------- The five publicly owned airports in Mendocino County are governed by different local jurisdictions with different approaches to management for each airport. The County regulates their two airports (Little River and Round Valley Airports) via Mendocino County Ordinance No.3347, adopted by the County Board of Supervisors on July 7, 1981. The ordinance addresses a wide range of operational issues including aircraft storage, temporary aircraft parking, automobile parking, fuel storage and sales, and related airport commercial support activities. The City of Willits as the owner and operator of Ells Field, adopted a set of City Ordinances under Chapter 2.40 of the City Code that address aviation related issues. These ordinances cover a wide range of airport operation issues and activities, much the same as County Ordinance No. 3347. The ordinances apply only to the Willits Municipal Airport (Ells Field). The City of Ukiah as the owner and operator of the Ukiah Municipal Airport has developed a set of policies and procedures which address Airport operation and development. The policies and procedures are implemented through a cooperative process involving the Assistant City Manager, Airport Commission, and Airport Manager. While these policies and procedures are not codified into ordinances, they serve the same function and address a wide range of issues from flight operations to on-site services and commercial activities. These policies and procedures are applicable only to the Ukiah Municipal Airport. In addition to planning and land use compatibility guidelines, the County of Mendocino has adopted regulations specifically for the two airports, (Little River Airport and Round Valley Airport) which it owns and operates. The County is responsible for day-to-day operations, maintenance of County-owned facilities, and development planning for each airfield. County Ordinance No.3347 addresses a wide range of issues, including aircraft storage (Tee-Hangars) and parking (Tie-Downs) location and fees, fueling facilities and sales, and provision of aviation related services. The Boonville Airport is owned by the Anderson Valley Community Service District, which in turn is governed by a seven-member board of directors. The day-to-day airport management and development planning is conducted by the Boonville Airport Commission, made up of local community residents who utilize the airfield or have an interest in aviation related issues. The District has developed a set of operating procedures for the Airport, but they are not organized into an adopted set of regulations. Because the airport provides no services or facilities, other than the runway, turn-around and aircraft parking/tie-downs, procedures related to airfield maintenance, access and hours of operation are not applicable. As the Airport expands it's base services and on-site activities, additional regulations may be added and codified. 4. Objectives ------------- The objectives identified for the five airports addressed in this study have come from a variety of sources. These sources include: a refinement of objectives found in the 1996 update to the 1994 Mendocino County Regional Transportation Plan; interviews and discussions with local agency staff responsible for airport operation, planning and programming; written responses to requests for airport information; and discussions with appropriate airport consultants. The following Implementation Objectives related to countywide aviation have been identified: * Coordinate ongoing activities of airport commissions, airport advisory committees, and local agency management staff to establish appropriate obstacle clearance zones around each airport in the region, identify obstacles within the clearance zones, and establish an implementation program for removal of obstacles that pose a threat to safe airport operations. * Encourage each local airport management team to review and update the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for each airport in the region; and where a formal CLUP has not yet been adopted, encourage the preparation and adoption of a formal plan for the airport in question. * Ensure that sufficient funding is provided to maintain each airport facility at an acceptable level of service and in good repair. * Provide coordination support and assistance to each local airport management team in securing adequate funding to finance improvement projects identified in the Short Range Action Plan. This support may include the identification of funding sources, assistance in application for grants, and communication enhancement between the State Aeronautics Program, the FAA and local airport management teams. * Support the actions of airport management teams to secure resolution of property ownership and control issues that directly affect the operation of the airport and/or possibility of expansion required to ensure continued fiscally sound operation of the facility. The following Implementation Objectives are airport specific: Ukiah Municipal Airport ----------------------- * Develop and expand commercial aviation passenger and freight service at Airport. * Provide enhanced airport terminal and cargo handling facilities at the Airport. * Acquire adjacent properties to the Airport to ensure adequate room for expansion and the implementation of aviation compatible businesses and services. * Renew the City of Ukiah' s commitment to Industrial and Aviation compatible zoning for properties adjacent to the Airport. The RTPA has a pivotal role in communicating the importance of the Ukiah Municipal Airport to the economic development of the region. Willits Municipal Airport (Ells Field) -------------------------------------- * Revise and refine Airport Layout Plan (ALP) to guide improvements to existing airport facilities including, but not limited to, administration/terminal building, FBO building, hangars, taxiways, and aprons. * Construct improved service hangars as funds are accumulated from increased revenue sources. * Prepare a business plan and specific plan for an Airport Development Zone to accommodate airport expansion and increase airport revenue sources. * Develop a specific action plan for development of tourist facilities as a part of the Airport Development Zone. Little River Airport (Mendocino County) --------------------------------------- * Complete process of obtaining Non-precision GPS approaches, which includes creating an obstacle free zone around the airport runway. * Negotiate land exchanges to acquire sufficient property to assure permanent clear zones for airport operation. * Improve airport facilities to enhance aviation operations and land-side aviation related services. * Maintain airport facilities in good repair and level of service. Round Valley Airport (Mendocino County) --------------------------------------- * Initiate and complete land trade or purchase of property and airport buildings (office, restrooms and parking lot) now owned by Round Valler Indian Tribes. While the annual lease agreement between the County and the Indian Tribes provides for the continuation of aviation services to the valley, the uncertain ownership is an impediment to both State and FAA funding of improvements at the Airport. * Maintain the runway, aircraft parking and support facilities in good repair and level of service. * Expand services to local aviation users as County funds become available. Boonville Airport (Anderson Valley Community Services District) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Establish clear Airport property ownership and control authority; including clarification of existing "through-the-fence" access agreements with owners of adjacent private parcels. This is essential to protect Airport eligibility for State and FAA grants for future expansion and improvements. * Acquire a one-acre parcel adjacent to the south side of the existing runway and reserve for future airport expansion. This is essential if future adequate hangar and tie-down space is to be provided. * Complete and adopt consultant prepared Airport Layout Plan {ALP) and Mini-Master Plan for Boonville Airport. The ALP has been funded by a $50,000.00 dollar grant form the FAA. * Construct Helio-Pad and taxiway adjacent on south side of runway to accommodate emergency and commercial helicopter flights, without blocking existing runway. * Establish clear zones on all approaches to the Airport runway and initiate an acquisition program of property interests to obtain unequivocal right to ensure that airspace penetrations do not occur. The development of an appropriately written avigation easement would be the best way to ensure ability to maintain clear, unobstructed approaches to the Airport runway. INTERREGIONAL CALIFORNIA AVIATION SYSTEM PLAN (lCASP) MENDOCINO COUNTY Aviation Action Plan I. Overview This Action Plan will provide to the State Aeronautics Program an identification of proposed improvement projects that respond to the needs articulated in the System Requirements section, the goals, policies and objectives found in the Aviation Policies section, and local priorities from each airport operator. In prior years the development of this information has been, for the most part, an exercise in futility. Local counties, particularly rural counties, have no excess resources to use for airport enhancement or improvement beyond bare maintenance expenditures. The State has had minimal amounts to distribute to the rural counties for use in airport upgrades and capital improvement projects. The FAA has historically been focused on urban aviation needs and requirements, with only minimal funding available for the occasional grant to rural county aviation needs. With unprecedented budget surpluses at the State and Federal levels, funding opportunities now exist which will allow rural county aviation facilities to significantly improve physical and operational capabilities. Under new federal funding legislation, in each of the next three years any of Mendocino County's five publicly-owned airports can receive $150,000 in grant funds if an acceptable Capital Improvement Program for each airport is on file with the FAA. Each airport may also qualify for additional discretionary grants from the FAA. These funds are in addition to the annual $10,000 dollar grant that each publicly-owned airport typically receives from the State Aeronautics Program for operating and maintenance support. However, in order for the airports in Mendocino County to make use of this funding opportunity leadership and assistance from the Aeronautics Program staff will be necessary. Typically, the local jurisdictions responsible for airport operation have airport management staff also responsible for other local government functions. Assistance in grant application preparation, understanding grant program requirements, and obtaining timely notice of grant opportunities will be essential to successfully obtaining maximum funding for our County. The primary sources used in determining projects for each airport include the 1996 update to the 1994 Mendocino Countv Regional TransDortation Plan, the 1999 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) prepared by the Caltrans, Aeronautics Program and direct input from airport managers or responsible local agency staff for airport operation and development. The 2000/01 Mendocino County RTP preparation is currently underway and the information contained in the current RTP will be updated when the new RTP document. 2. Short-term Projects This section identifies the short-term projects (0-10 years) which have been judged as necessary by each airport owner/operator. These projects may, or may not have, the funding available for implementation. Where federal or state funding has not been secured for a given project, the responsible local agency has judged the project to be of sufficient priority to include it in the CIP. The responsible entities will simultaneously purse the funding to deliver the project by the year indicated in the CIP. Table 1 lists a composite of projects for the five publicly owned airports in Mendocino County which reflects the current needs and priorities of each airport. In the case of the Boonville Airport an attempt has been made to anticipate some of the projects which will be in the ultimate CIP for the Airport. However, the consultant will not have a draft CIP prepared until the middle of December 2000. The project list reflects input from each jurisdiction, and where possible from the airport managers associated with each facility. The Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) staff is responsible for the final project determination and cost estimates. The first column in the Table identifies the improvement with a brief project description, the second and third columns identify potential funding sources, the fourth column presents the estimated cost (in current dollars); and the last column lists the year for which the funding is requested for the identified project. TABLE 1 Capital Improvement Program List For Mendocino County Airports PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATE FAA COST YR RQSTD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ UKIAH MUNCIPAL AIRPORT Construct Heli pad X X $30,000 2001 Construct terminal facility & ground access X X $1,500,000 2001 facilities includin access roads and auto parking Reconstruct storm drains system & runway apron X X $470,000 2002 Construct RW 15/33 run-up area, approx. 6,000 sq. X X $40,000 2002 ft.located 1,000 feet from end of runway (noise) Construct cargo ramp X X $125,000 2002 Complete security fencing x x $20,000 2002 Enclose open drainage ditch X X $35,000 2003 Purchase adjoing properties for Airport related X X $900,000 2004 expansion, SW & SE of present airport site. Repave area between CDF and FBO area X X $310,000 2004 Complete negotiation of avigation easements to X X $250,000 2005 the south of Airport property Construct perimeter access road for airport X X $175,000 2007 circulation. Construct sound wall/sound barricades X X $410,000 2007 TOTAL $4,265,000 WILLITS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT (ELLS FIELD) Overlay runway, taxiway and ramp area X X $150,000 2001 Update Airport layout Plan & Mini-Master Plan X X $50,000 2002 Replace runway and taxiway lighting system X X $15,000 2002 Repair slide area at RW 16/24 at north end of X X $250,000 2003 runway and provide drainage improvements at R W Improve parking area X X $25,000 2004 Install PAPI/VASI system X X $25,000 2004 Construct perimeter fencing X X $50,000 2004 Construct heliport landing pad X X $30,000 2005 Construct turn around area at north end runway 34 X X $100,000 2005 Purchase maintenance equipment X X $150,000 2007 TOTAL $845,000 LITTLE RIVER AIRPORT Prepare site and construct 10-16 aircraft hangars X X $250,000 2001 FinalIze obtaining non-precision GPS approaches X X $15,000 2001 including clearin obstacles and trimmin trees. Install AWOS or ASOS at airport X X $125,000 2002 Negotiate land swaps or purchase of adjacent land X X $200,000 2003 parcels for clear zones around airport Replace existing runway lighting system and X X $375,000 2004 wiring for edge lights and directional lights; upgrade all lighting for runway and night operations. Replace septic system and upgrade restroom X X $150,000 2005 facilities Place AC overla of all paved areas at airport X X $1,000,000 2007 Trim all trees and brush in airport clear zone areas X X $25,000 2009 TOTAL $2,140,000 ROUND VALLEY AIRPORT Complete negotiations for land swap or purchase X X $150,000 2001 of property and buildings from Round Valley Indian Tribes. Install above ground fueling facilities at airport X X $65,000 2001 Construct turn-around, connecting taxiway, and X X $75,000 2003 expand apron area at RW 10 Place AC overlay of all paved surfaces including X X $200,000 2004 runway, taxiway, and apron. Prepare Airport Layout Plan & Mini-Master Plan X X $65,000 2005 Construct new tie-down area; relocate facilities X X $125,000 2007 Construct new taxiway X X $150,000 2007 Install security fence X X $85,000 2008 TOTAL $915,000 BOONVILLE AIRPORT Complete and adopt ALP & Mini-Master Plan X X Already 2001 funded/FAA Construct helicopter pad, taxiway & lighting X X $25,000 2002 Complete land acquisition (1 acre) for airport exp. X X $30,000 2003 Slurry seal runway X X $33,000 2003 Construct/pave taxiway, apron and parking area X X $70,000 2004 Insstall drainage system and correct existing X X $25,000 2004 drainage problems across runway Develop lease agreement for hangar construction X X $15,000 2005 on airport expansion parcel. Prepare site for hangar construction & construct X X $20,000 2005 access facilities to hangar area. Conduct study of costs and impacts of establishing X X $30,000 2007 clear zones on all approaches to runway sufficient to maintain safe all-weather airport operation. TOTAL $248,000 3. Long-term Projects --------------------- This section identifies projects which, if completed, would allow each airport to accomplish the mission of the Aviation Element of the Mendocino County RTP, and the Goals identified for the ICASP. The projects are stated in broad terms because they reflect estimates of long-range needs and are of indefinite timing beyond ten years, but possible within a 20-year time frame. The long-term projects contained in Table 2 are based on dialogue with the various airport management teams, reevaluation of the current RTP (updated in 1996), and ongoing planning activities by consultants where appropriate. The projects identified here, as is the case with the short-term project identification, reflect current aviation system planning and programming in Mendocino County. Regional planning documents will be updated based on the information contained in this ICASP submittal. Table 2 LONG-TERM PROPOSED PROJECTS STATE FAA Ukiah Municipal Airport Develop a systematic program for the acquisition of available parcels X X (purchase or easement agreement) adjacent to airport to protect current airport operations and future airport development. Parcels would include residential, commercial or agricultural zoned properties. Construct commercial helicopter operations area, including housing X X facilities for medical evacuation personnel. Relocate corporation yard from airport to available parcels in airport X X industrial area. This will free airport land for airport development activities. Remove portable hangars and replace with permanent hangars. X X Remodel former FSS building to create usable space for airport X X activities. Willits Municl Construct new administration building and pilot's lounge X X Purchase 75-100 acres south west of airport for expension of runway X X and runway protection zone. Extend runway 1000 feet and lower portion of existing runway X X Construct new parallel taxiway on east side of the runway X X Construct 10 new hangars X X Construct perimeter road around airport X X Attract an promote aviation-type businesses on and around airport X X property to support airport use and activities. Little River Air ort Establish a tree and brush trimming program to maintain a clear zone X X around airport runways and approaches. Replace storage buildings at airport site. X X Replace operations building at airport. X X Construct more aircraft tie-downs. X X Construct more hangars as needed. X X Construct large transient hangar or covered aircraft parking X X Round Vall airport Install security fence around runway X X Identify clear zone around runway and approaches; clear obstacles, X X trim trees and brush. Reconstruct runway and apron area X X Install apron and runway lighting. X X Update Master Plan for airport X X Boonville Airport Construct airport operations building X X Construct additional aircraft tie-downs. X X Place overlay of apron and turn-around area, install apron lighting, X X and lighted wind cone for emergency use Initiate ongoing pavement maintenance program X X 4. Projects Programmed/completed since the last adopted Mendocino County RTP --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information contained in this section is an identification of projects reported by the airport managers or responsible jurisdictions since the adopting of the 1996 RTP. It is likely to be somewhat inaccurate and/or incomplete since the regional transportation plan is updated only on a four-year cycle. There is no systematic mechanism in place to ensure information is current. A brief description of known projects is contained in Table 3. Table 3 Projects Completed/Programmed at Mendocino County Airports from 1996/97 to 2000/01 Project description Amount/Cost Source Ukiah Municipal Airport Slurry seal of runway and taxiways in 1997/98 fiscal year. $115,000 State Willits Municipal Airport (Ells Field) Overlay of runway programmd for 2000/01 delayed in order to $72,000 State combine with FAA grant application for update of Airport Master Plan and runway reconstruction. Little River Airport Runwa and taxiways fog sealed and restriped in 1999. N/A N/A Developed non-precision GPS instrument approaches to airport N/A N/A in 1999. Underground fuel tanks removed and replaced with a card-Iock N/A N/A above ground fuel system. Free standign restrooms constructed. N/A N/A Taxiway edge reflectors installed, updated runway ID and hold N/A N/A short signs installed; added noise abatement signs. Drilled new water well and installed storage tank. N/A N/A Round Valley Airport County authorized installation of above-ground fueling tank. N/A N/A Overlay runway, taxiway, and apron in fiscal 2001/02 program $107,000 State year. Booneville Airport Prepare Airport Layout Plan and Mini-Master Plan in 1999/00 $50,000 State Slurry seal programmed for 2002/03. $33,000 State ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Significant Dates for Aeronautics Funding Activities Even years ---------- January Aeronautics releases Proposed Program for Aeronautics (PPA) 3-year list of Acquisition and Development (A&D) projects. March California Transportation Commission (CTC) adopts the PPA. April Aeronautics notifies all airports of adopted A&D projects. June Aeronautics transmits Annual Grant forms (California Aid to Airports Program (CAAP) Certification (DOA-0007) and CAAP Annual Funds Request (DOA-OOO9) to GA airports. Aeronautics transmits A&D allocation form (DOA-001O) to airports with State projects in even/odd fiscal year. November Aeronautics sends out the project request forms for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to airports, Airport Land Use Commissions (ALUCs), and Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs). Odd years --------- January Airports, ALUCs, and RTPAs return CIP project request forms to the Aeronautics Program. June Aeronautics transmits Annual Grant forms (DOA-OOO7 and DOA-OOO9) to GA airports. Aeronautics transmits Acquisition and Development (A&D) allocation form (DOA-OO1O) to airports with State projects in odd/even fiscal year. Airports, ALUCs, and RTPAs submit final projects for the CIP. July CTC approves the CIP. November Aeronautics Program prioritizes CIP projects using the most current fund estimate and determines the PPA. Continuous Filing ----------------- * AlP Matching Grant for FAA AlP (Form DOA-OO12): Airports apply when AlP grant is received. * Matching Funds Loan (Form DOA-0019): Airports apply as needed. * Airport Development Loan (Form DOA-OO13): Airports apply as needed. * Revenue Generating Loan (Form DOA-OO20): Airports apply as needed. For questions regarding the CIP, contact Bob Moore at (916) 654-3775. For all other funding questions, contact Mike Farmer at (916) 654-5174. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flow chart - Acquisition and Development (A&D) Grant Process for a Construction Project Sponsor - Identify needed projects | \ / MCOG = Mendocino Council of Governments RTPA (MCOG in our case) - Identify needed projects | RTPA = Regional Transportation Planning Agency \ / Caltrans Aeronautics - Coordinate with FAA, Prepare 10 year CIP | \ / FAA - Adopt Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Caltrans Aeronautics - Develop Proposed Program for Aeronautices (PPA) | per CIP and prioritization methodology | \ / FAA -- adopt 3-year Aeronautics program | \ / Caltrans Aeronautics - Send allocation forms to sponsors at start of each FY | \ / Sponsor - Submit DOA-0010, local approval, CEQA, etc. to Caltrans | \ / Caltrans Aeronautics - Review documents | \ / FAA - allocate funds | \ / Caltrans Aeronautics - Prepare Allocation Letter | \ / Sponsor - Prepare "Plans Specifications and Estimates" (PS&E), | submit to Caltrans | \ / Caltrans - Review PS&E; Recommend changes; Approve PS&E Sponsor - receive bids; submit preferred contractor to Caltrans | \ / Caltrans - Approve contractor; prepare grant agreement | \ / Sponsor - Accept grant; return grant to Caltrans | \ / Caltrans - Notify sponsor to award contract Sponsor - Begin construction; Submit claims | \ / Caltrans - Pay claims; final inspection ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- California Transport Commission Aeronautics Program Project Evaluation Matrix Project Propose A B C D E safety planning Reconstruction upgrade Miscellaneous documents standards ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20 17 15 8 5 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project Type A. Primary Runway 1. new pavement 9 2. Seal/Overlay/Rehab 10 3. Lighting 8 B. Other Runway/Taxiway 1. new pavement 8 2. Seal/Overlay/Rehab 9 3. Lighting 7 C. Ramp/Apron 1. new pavement 7 2. Seal/Overlay/Rehab 8 3. Lighting 6 D. Navaids 1. Segmented circle 9 2. Rotating beacon 5 3. Landing aids 4 4. Automated weather reporting 3 E. Safety 1. Hazard removal 9 2. Obstruction lights 6 3. Security fence 4 F. Acquire Land 1. Avigation Easement Airside usage 6 2. Runway Protection Zone 7 3. Airside Usage 5 G. Planning 1. CLUP 7 2. Airport Layout Plan ALP 8 3. Master Plan (MP) 5 H Other 1. Noise 5 2. Service Roads 4 3. Utilities/drainage 5 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Caltrans Aeronautics Program 1 January 2000 California Department of Transportation Aeronautics Program Description of Grants and Loans Aeronautics Account All State grant programs for airports are funded from the Aeronautics Account in the State Transportation Fund. Tax revenues, which are collected on general aviation (GA) fuel, are deposited in the Aeronautics Account. GA jet fuel is taxed at 2 cents per gallon and avgas is taxed at 18 cents. These taxes generate about $7 million per year. The Aeronautics Account has several other revenue sources (interest that is earned on its cash balance and sale of documents such as the State aeronautics chart). The Revenue and Taxation Code (section 8352.3) spells out the priority for expenditure of funds from the Aeronautics Account: (1) The State Controller and the Board of Equalization for administering the collection of fuel taxes, (2) State operations (Caltrans' Aeronautics Program and its staff), and (3) Grants to airports. The Public Utilities Code (section 21682 through section 21683.2) further specifies the priority for allocation of Aeronautics Account funds to airports: (1) Annual Grants, (2) AlP Matching, and (3) A&D Grants. Annual Grants ------------- These are State grants to eligible airports for use at the sponsor's discretion subject to applicable laws and regulations, with prior approval from the Department. Sponsor Eligibility The airport must be owned by an eligible public agency (e.g., a city, county or airport district). The sponsor must: + Ensure that the airport is open to the public without restriction to general and commercial aviation. + Have a valid state permit for the airport. + Adopt rules that give it sufficient control over the operation of the airport. + Have height restrictions around the airport which are adequate to ensure that operations can be conducted without any hazardous obstructions. + Establish a Special Aviation Fund in which state grant monies are deposited. + Certify eligibility annually with a form (DOA-OOO7) that is provided by the Department. To receive the Annual Grant, the airport cannot be designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as either a Reliever or a Commercial Service airport. Uses and Restrictions The Annual Grant can fund projects for "airport and aviation purposes" as defined in Section 21681(t) of the State Aeronautics Act. Also, the Annual Grant can fund fueling facilities, restrooms, showers, wash racks, and operation and maintenance. The Annual Grant can provide part of the sponsor's match for projects that are funded by FAA grants as long as the project is otherwise eligible for state funding. Accrued monies can be used at another eligible airport if the sponsor owns more than one airport. Any expenditures (or transfers of funds) require prior approval from the Department. Funding Level $10,000 per year. If the Aeronautics Account does not have sufficient funds, the Annual Grant amount is reduced in proportion to the funds available. Up to five year's worth of Annual Grants may be accrued at the sponsor's discretion. Any accrued funds are held by the State. Matching Requirement No local match is required for an Annual Grant. Funding Cycle After the airport has certified to the Department that it is eligible for the Annual Grant (and other state funding), the Department credits the appropriate amount ($10,000 as of 1994) to the airport's account. This certification has to be made annually. The airport may apply to expend its credited and accrued monies at any time. Each year, the Department notifies eligible sponsors of the application date and provides the necessary forms (DOA-0007 and DOA-0009) for certification of eligibility and for expenditure. Pay-back Requirements If an airport is closed to the public for more than one year, a portion of the Annual Grant funds that have been received by the airport's sponsor in the prior 20 years must be paid back to the Department. The amount to be repaid is the original amount reduced at a rate of 5% per year. Pay-back is not required for an airport that has been replaced by a comparable facility. Also, the Department can waive repayment if it decides that the airport is not necessary to the system of public airports. Grants are subject to state audit. Records that substantiate the expenditure of Annual Grant monies should be retained for three years. Funds may have to be repaid by the sponsor if an audit finds that state law or generally accepted accounting principles have been violated. AlP Matching Grants ------------------- These are state grants to eligible airports for eligible projects subject to programming and allocation by the California Transportation Commission (CTC). This grant assists the sponsor in meeting the local match for Airport Improvement Program (AlP) grants from the FAA. Sponsor Eligibility The sponsor must meet the same eligibility requirements as for the Annual Grant; however, Reliever airports can receive AlP Matching grants. The airport must also meet FAA eligibility requirements. The sponsor certifies its state eligibility annually with a form (DOA-0007) that is provided by the Department. Uses and Restrictions An FAA AlP grant can be matched with state funds. The matching rate (5%) is fixed in law, unlike the A&D rate which the CTC can change. State funds for an AlP Matching grant cannot be allocated by the State until the federal grant has been accepted by the sponsor. A federal AlP grant can fund some types of projects (such as access roads and rescue vehicles) that are not otherwise State-eligible. The project, which is being funded by an AlP grant, must be included in the CIP [discussed later] in order to receive state matching. Grants cannot be awarded for projects that have been completed or have started construction prior to allocation from the State. Funding Level The amount that is set aside for AlP Matching grants is determined by the CTC when it adopts the biennial Aeronautics Program. The goal for the set-aside is to have an amount that will be sufficient to match all possible AlP grants. Unused set-aside funds would be available for additional A&D grants. Matching Requirements The local match for an AlP grant is 10% of the project's cost. The State's AlP Matching grant provides 4.5% of the project's eligible costs (i.e., 5% of the AlP grant). The sponsor pays the remaining 5.5%. The sponsor may apply for a state loan for 5.5% of the project. The Annual Grant can also be applied toward the sponsor's portion of the local match for an AlP grant. \ Funding Cycle The project must first be included in the ClP. Once the FAA has awarded an AlP grant and the sponsor has accepted that grant, the airport can apply for an allocation of AlP Matching funds. This request is submitted to the Department on the form DOA-OO12. The Department reviews the application as follows: + The sponsor is eligible. + The project is in the ClP . + The project meets applicable state environmental laws. + The project has not yet been constructed. + Monies are available in the set-aside for AlP Matching. Funding requests that are acceptable will receive an allocation and a Grant Agreement from the Department. A sponsor should not begin construction on a project until the Grant Agreement with the Department is fully executed. Pay-back Requirements Same as Annual Grants except that the waiver provision does not apply. AlP Matching grants are subject to state audit. Note: The FAA has its own, separate requirements for the return of grant monies when an airport closes. Please refer to the FAA grant assurances. Acquisition and Development (A&D) Grants ---------------------------------------- These are state grants to eligible airports for eligible projects subject to allocation by the CTC. Sponsor Eligibility The sponsor must meet the same eligibility requirements as for the Annual Grant. However, Reliever and Commercial Service airports are also eligible for A&D grants. The sponsor certifies eligibility annually with a form (DOA-OOO7) that is provided by the Department. A city or county may receive grants on behalf of a privately owned, public-use airport as explained in Appendix I. An airport land use commission (ALUC) can receive funding to either prepare or update a comprehensive land use plan (CLUP). Uses and Restrictions An A&D grant can fund projects for "airport and aviation purposes" as defined in Section 21681(f) of the State Aeronautics Act. After allocation of funds by the CTC, the plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) for a construction project must be approved by the Department. The Department must also approve the sponsor's selection of a construction contractor. Upon approving the contractor, the Department will prepare a Grant Agreement and send it to the sponsor. Progress payments, as appropriate, are made but 10% of each payment is withheld pending the Department's final inspection of the project. A slightly different process is used for grants that fund land acquisitions, CLUPs, master plans, and airport layout plans. For these, the grant is managed by the Aeronautics Program's Office (other than engineering) which is responsible for that subject area. Grants cannot be provided for projects that have already been completed or have started construction prior to execution of the Grant Agreement. An A&D grant cannot be used as local match for an FAA grant, but an AlP Matching grant can be used for this purpose, as explained in the previous section. However, an A&D-funded project can be constructed in conjunction with an FAA-funded project. Project services (engineering, design, etc.) are limited to 12% of the actual construction cost of a project, including change orders that have been approved by the Department. For land acquisition, "project services" means appraisal, title and escrow fees. The minimum amount of an A&D grant is $10,000. The maximum amount that can be allocated to an airport in a single fiscal year is $500,000. This $500,000 maximum can occur as a single grant or multiple grants. Funding Level The amount available for A&D grants is what is left in the Aeronautics Account after funding State Operations, Annual Grants and AlP Matching. Matching Requirement The local match can vary from 10% to 50% of the project's cost. The match rate is set annually by the CTC. (A 10% rate has been utilized for the past 10+ years.) Neither the Annual Grant nor a state loan may be used for the local match to an A&D grant. Funding Cycle A sponsor initiates its A&D grant requests through the ClP process. Projects are selected on a multi-year basis through the Aeronautics Program, which is adopted biennially by the CTC. (The Program is adopted in "even" years). The RTPAs and the Department recommend projects to the CTC in accordance with the prioritization methodology that is explained in Appendix IV. Each time that the CTC adopts an Aeronautics Program, the Department will notify the airports and provide a list of the projects that have been selected. Prior to the start of each fiscal year, the Department will contact those sponsors whose projects have been programmed for that year and ask them to apply for an allocation from the CTC. Forms and instructions will be sent along with this letter. An airport requests allocation from the Department using form DOA-0010 (Section E. of this manual). The CTC allocates funds for a project if the project adheres to the adopted Aeronautics Program and monies are available. The CTC meets on a regular basis, approximately 10-12 times per year. Projects can be accelerated ahead of their programmed year if funding is available. A sponsor should not begin construction on a project until the Grant Agreement with the Department has been fully executed. Pay-back Requirements Same as Annual Grants except that the waiver provision does not apply. A&D grants are subject to state audit. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) The CIP is not a grant program but a listing of airport projects. However, inclusion in the CIP is a prerequisite for a project being considered for either an A&D grant or an AlP Matching grant. The CIP is discussed here in general terms because specific instructions depend upon the regional transportation planning agency (RTPA) that is responsible for the area in which the airport is located. The CIP is an element of the California Aviation System Plan (CASP). Requirements for the CASP and the CIP are specified in PUC section 21701 through section 21706. Projects are selected for A&D grants from the CIP and included in the State's biennial Aeronautics Program in accordance with criteria that have been adopted by the CTC. The CTC also adopts the Aeronautics Program. The CIP is prepared by the Department and RTPAs with airport management, RTPA staff, the FAA, and the Department working together to assess the airport's needs, and determine appropriate funding sources for worthwhile projects. The CIP is designed to list all projects, whether they are funded locally or by FAA grants, state grants or state loans. As such, the CIP is part of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) in which the RTPAs address all of their region's transportation needs. RTPs and the CIP are developed in "odd" years. The Aeronautics Program is adopted by the CTC in "even" years (typically in March). An airport manager should expect to be contacted by either the Department or the RTPA early in the year that the CIP will be developed (i.e., in an "odd" year). B. California Airport Loan Program ---------------------------------- These are state loans to eligible airports for construction and land acquisition projects that benefit the airport and improve its self-sufficiency. Sponsor Eligibility An airport must be owned by an eligible public agency (e.g., a city, county or airport district). The sponsor must meet the same requirements as the Annual Grant. The airport can serve general aviation aircraft as well as scheduled airlines. Uses and Restrictions Nearly any type of project that will benefit the airport is eligible. "Land banking", automobile access roads, automobile parking areas, and facilities to accommodate airlines, however, are not eligible for a state loan. A loan can provide the sponsor's match for a project that is funded by an FAA grant. Thus, an airport could receive an AlP grant for 90% of a project, an AlP Matching grant for 4.5% of a project, and a loan for the remaining 5.5% of a project. For a revenue-producing project, a separate account must be established to receive income from the project. Expenses for maintaining the project may be paid from this separate account, but all revenues received must be held in trust for payment of the loan's principal and interest until the loan is repaid in full. No limit on the size of a loan has been established in either law or regulation. The Department determines the amount for each individual loan in accordance with the feasibility of the project and the sponsor's financial status. Economic feasibility is an especially strong factor in the approval of loans for revenue-generating projects such as hangars and fueling facilities. A checklist of demonstrating economic feasibility is available from the Department. Funding Level Funding depends upon the available balance in the Local Airport Loan Account; The Local Airport Loan Account is a revolving fund that was initiated with seed money from the Aeronautics Account. As principal and interest payments are returned to the Loan Account, additional loans can be provided to airports. Matching Requirement No local match is required for a loan. Funding Cycle Loans may be requested from the Department at any time using the appropriate form (DOA-0019 for AlP matching loans, DOA-0020 for revenue-generating projects, and DOA-0013 for airport development projects). Loan applications are reviewed by the Department. Then, the applications are presented at periodic public hearings that the Department conducts. An AlP matching loan may be requested when the sponsor transmits its grant application to the FAA, but the loan will not be paid by the State until the AlP grant has been accepted by the sponsor. Pay-back Requirements A pay-back schedule is included in each Loan Agreement. Generally, the term of a loan will vary between 8 and 17 years depending upon the amount of the loan. Larger loans have a longer pay-back period. Loans may be repaid early without penalty. Simple interest is charged on the outstanding balance of the loan's principal. The interest rate is based upon the state bond sale that occurs before the Department prepares the Loan Agreement. Loans are subject to state audit. Records that substantiate the expenditure of loan monies should be retained until three years after the retirement of the loan. Funds may have to be repaid by the sponsor if an audit finds that state law or generally accepted accounting principles have been violated. For more information about grants and loans, call, write or e-mail: California Department of Transportation Aeronautics Program MS #40 PO Box 942874 Sacramento CA 94274-0001 phone: 916/654-5174 fax: 916/653-9531 e-mail: Mike.Farmer web: www.dot.ca.gov/aeronautics Department of Transportation Aeronautics Program Eligible Projects for State Funding The items in the following list can be funded with Annual Grants and A&D grants. For AlP Matching, the State can provide its 5% match any project that the FAA funds. Descriptions in this list have been shortened from the relevant laws and regulations. a. Obstruction Removal. Removal of obstructions from runway safety areas, RPZs or approach surfaces, and the other imaginary surfaces, if they have been determined by the FAA or the Department to be a hazard. b. Radios. Aviation radio equipment and facilities. c. Land. Acquisition of land and avigation easements. d. Lighting. Purchase and installation of runway, taxiway, boundary, or obstruction lights, with directly related electrical equipment, to meet general aviation needs. e. Fencing. Minimum security fencing around the perimeter of an airport, for general aviation purposes. f. Transient Parking. Construction/reconstruction of transient general aviation aircraft parking areas. g. Bond Service. Servicing of revenue or general obligation bonds that have been issued to finance airport capital improvements. h. Navaids. Air navigation aids including rotating beacons, runway end identifier lights, and localizer transmitters. i. Airport marking systems such as segmented circles, wind socks, traffic pattern indicators, and wind tees. j. Noise monitoring equipment to meet general aviation needs. k. Project Services. Engineering for eligible construction projects; appraisal and escrow fees for land acquisition. - I. Runways and Taxiways. Construction and reconstruction. m. Service roads that are not open to the public. n. Surfacing of runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking areas to GA standards. 0. Water supply and sanitary disposal systems for airport use. p. Master plans and airport layout plans. q. Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). Activities of an airport land use commission (ALUC) to prepare or update a CLUP. The following can be funded with Annual Grants but not with A&D grants: (a) Operation and maintenance (wages/salaries, utilities, service vehicles, and all other noncapital expenditures), (b) GA fueling facilities, (c) Restrooms/showers, and (d) GA airplane wash racks. January 1999 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- MENDOCINO COAST DOG PARK Please allow us to use space to build a dog park. Introduction to the dog park ---------------------------- We, the Mendocino Coast Dog Park Committee, would like to make a presentation of our proposal to design, care for and use a secured - fenced - open space - dog and owner park, operated for and by local conununity members. The park will be placed in a 2 or 3 acre setting in the area known as the Fire Dept. old picnic area (refer to map). We have chosen this area because of the open, accessible and level terrain. What will enhance the dog park project at this location is utilizing the existing power, shade trees, water, adequate parking, separate entrance from the airport, natural buffer zone from neighbors, and the minimal impact on normal airport activities. We understand that this project must be self-sustaining and community supported. What we have accomplished ------------------------- We had set initial goals of determining community interest and support for a doq park and to study the feasibility and affordability of a dog park. Several of the committee members have gone out into the community and met with people to describe the dog park. People were asked if they would sign a statement of support for the dog park project. As of this date there are more than 250 signatures of support and many of these marked they are willing to help build the dog park. We posted fliers asking people to call or E-mail us with their conunents or support. We designed our own dog park web site (ww.mendocino.org/dog park) and from that we have received almost 300 hits in the past two weeks, some from out of area tourists. The majority of comments are positive and supportive. Our committee has formed several subcommittees to deal with many issues that have to be resolved. The design sub-committee addressed how to make the park safe, comfortable and secure so dogs won' t escape and run onto the airstrip. There will be double gates to keep the dog confined while entering or exiting with their owners. We have compiled a list of items for dogs comfort and people comfort too. These include water spigots, water buckets, cleaning supplies, plastic bags for the dogs. Benches, picnic tables, garbage cans for the owners. Some of these items are available now and will be available when the park is opened. A cleanup committee has been formed to discuss the process for how to maintain and clean the park. This will include making signs to instruct park users to clean up after themselves. The cleanup crew will be charged with insuring the park is maintained to a safe and healthy standard, perhaps 12 times per month. The Little River Pet shop, an online store, has made a commitment to help obtain the necessary equipment for the cleanup committee. They will address the trash can pickup issue. Also, a phone # has been established for anyone to call if they want to report any problems, vandalism or complaints. A materials subcommittee has discussed items needed for the park and has made a list which includes; chain link fencing, minimum 6' high, double gates and posts, garbage cans, water hose, stock tank, etc. They will be setting out to get bids on the costs for these materials. A site-work committee will determine how to clear the area to make it safe and usable. They will deal with the removal of the trailer and toilet shed, any unsafe benches and tables, a stage, sinks, and remove dead trees or limbs. Undergrowth will be cleared and remove. They will deal with clearing an access route from the paved road to the park entrance and separate from airport traffic flow. Funding: -------- We will need funding to pay for all for the above costs. Our expectation is to pay full operating costs ourselves with no expense to the County, airport or other entity. A subcommittee is identifying and seeking sources of available funding. We expect the majority of funding to come from community support in the form of donations. Verbal support indicates much of the cash will be available in this way. A separate money account will be established to cover the full expense of clean up, and removal if the project must be closed for any reason. For guidance, we have been working closely with the local Humane Society and can work together on dog related issues, such as the spay/neuter program, dog health issues, training and obedience classes and can provide for a dog information bulletin board for public use. Business Support: ---------------- We have contacted several local businesses and drawn up a business donation plan. We have found the businesses, such as hotels, stores, B & B's to be very supportive of our project and expressed interest in using their business names connected to the dog park. Businesses can donate equipment and/or cash or they can become sponsor/donors. As a donor, they may earn advertising space on the dog park web site. For those businesses providing overnight lodging, they may be able to do promotional advertising on our web site, as a 'dogs welcomed' facility, which is highly valued for dog owning tourists planning to vacation in the area. There may be an adoptafence sponsor program to advertise businesses that provide financial support. (We, the committee will determtine the perimeters by which ads will be accepted) Benefits: This project... - Provides a safe, clean & healthy environment for social activity and off-leash exercise for dogs - Provides a community sponsored forum for socializing and interaction with neighbors - Provides a community service, free of charge for everyone - Provides health benefits for senior citizens who may have limited mobility and are dog owners - Provides an alternative space for owners to let their dogs run and to lessen the impact on local beaches and other inappropriate spaces - Promotes responsible dog ownership and a place to share educational information on dog health issues - Promotes the airport as having the capability to work with and consider the needs of the Little River and surrounding communities for what is being established as a very desirable and compatible project for that location Final: ----- As you can see we have spent much time and discussion on the many elements of this plan we have outlined for you. We have taken seriously the ramifications of the proposal we bring to you for your consideration. We would like to continue working on making this dog park a reality and fully understand that we must work hard to meet any requirements that you may impose. Our goal is to have available to the community, a healthy activity, t.hat embraces the values of our small coastal community, which can and does include all members of the family of which dogs have always been a very important part. This dog park can bring together, families, friends, neighbors, businesses and still coexist with the airport facility now and in the future. Please consider our project and make the recommendation to the county board of supervisors that they authorize us to proceed on the community built and community run dog park.