Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for Engineering Services for the Upgrade of Navigation Aids at the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport for Runway 6/24 ($74,724.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your consideration is a resolution to approve a grant contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation-Office of Aeronautics (MDOT-Aero) in the amount of $74,724.00. The grant will fund engineering services for a visual guidance system at the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport. This grant will cover the design of the Navigation Aid system, and a separate grant will be issued for the construction portion of the project. All work will comply with current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards.
The engineering services will be provided by the airport’s engineer, C&S Engineers, Inc. from Livonia, Michigan.
The Ann Arbor Municipal Airport is one of the most active airports in the State of Michigan, providing services to business, government, higher education, health care, and other aviation users from across the country. With a national pilot shortage, flight training is an active component of the airport, and many current airline and military pilots learned their trade at the Ann Arbor Airport. An Economic Benefits Analysis for the Ann Arbor Airport was recently completed by the State of Michigan and the airport’s economic output for 2023 was over $69 million locally and over $79 million statewide. Direct employment based at the airport was over 120 persons. This grant for Navigation Aid design is a step in keeping the airport safe & compliant and will address the non-functioning or obsolete system currently at the airport.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The grant amount of $74,724.00 is comprised of $67,251.00 in federal funds, $3,736.00 in state funds and $3,737.00 in airport matching funds, which is available in the approved FY 2026 Airport Fund Budget. Funding (Local, state and federal) for this project will come from fees paid by users of aviation industry services. The grant is administered by MDOT-Aero.
Staff
Prepared by: Carl Konopaska, Fleet & Facilities Manager
Reviewed by: Mariah Walton, Deputy City Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Navigation Aids at the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport have become non-functioning or obsolete;
Whereas, Engineering Services are needed to complete the proposed Navigation Aid design project, and the FAA and MDOT-Aero have approved grant funding for these services;
Whereas, Airport Matching Funds are available in the FY 2026 Approved Airport Fund Budget; and
Whereas, MDOT-Aero will administer the grant, including making payments for services directly to the engineering consultant;
RESOLVED, That the City Council approve grant contract number 2024-0811 with the Michigan Department of Transportation in the amount of $74,724.00 for engineering, services for this Navigation Aid design project at the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to sign said agreements upon approval as to form by the City Attorney, and upon approval as to substance by the City Administrator; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be directed to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.