Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for Work Related to the Environmental Assessment Study for the Safety Extension of Runway 6/24 at the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport ($279,100.00)
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 $279,100.00 for work related to the completion of the environmental assessment (EA) study for the safety extension of runway 6/24 at the airport. This work will fund the retention of a consulting engineer to make revisions and update studies to the environmental assessment study as requested by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In 2009, City Council authorized the undertaking of the EA to identify potential impacts that may be related to the extension of runway 6/24 at the Ann Arbor Airport. These proposed modifications were depicted on the Airport Layout Plan approved by Council in 2008. The EA process is a requirement of the FAA and MDOT-Aero which regulates aviation activities at the Ann Arbor Airport. This highly regulated process is dictated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and includes a significant public input process.
The draft EA has been completed, two public hearings were held and comments received from the public, governmental agencies and the FAA. In 2017, the FAA provided a new set of comments that required an updated noise study, wildlife hazard assessment, and wetlands assessment. In addition, the FAA is now requiring an air quality study. The FAA has also changed the format of their EA studies and are requiring us to update the draft EA to meet the new FAA format.
After significant discussions with the FAA, a proposed scope of work was agreed on which requires the City to retain the services of an MDOT qualified consulting engineer to complete the work.
It is important to complete the EA so the C...
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