SIMSBURY AIRPORT FEASIBILITY STUDY
Study Meeting #1
January 16, 2008, 2:30 p.m.
Town of Simsbury
Meeting Report
Presenters:
Name Affiliation
Paul McDonnell Clough Harbour (CHA)
Erin Rowett CHA
Darren Mochrie RKG Associates
Attendees:
Approximately 20 attendees were present including town officials, Connecticut Department of Transportation, and many representatives from the Simsbury Flying Club.
Meeting Purpose:
This meeting was held to introduce the study to the public and review the findings of Task 1 - Airport Inspection and Environmental Review and the status of Tasks 2 - 4.
The meeting presentation is attached.
Presentation Questions:
1. Would any runway extension be funded?
The FAA requires that a plan be in place to meet Design Standards (i.e., Runway Safety Areas) prior to funding for development projects such as a runway extension. A justified runway extension is eligible for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and State (ConnDOT) funding.
2. Please discuss a noise study as explained in the Study Meeting #1.
CHA does not recommend including a noise analysis in the study. Based on past experience, CHA does not believe the impacts of the aircraft operating in and out of Simsbury Airport are significant enough for consideration by the FAA for remediation. Bill Thomas, the manager of Simsbury Flying Club, says he has never received a noise complaint in his time as manager.
3. Please note that the FAA is an active participant in the study and has attended the Kickoff Meeting (Nov. 15, 2007) and Study Meeting #1 (Jan. 16, 2008) by teleconference. The project's FAA representative hoped to attend the Public Information Meeting in person, but was unable to due to other commitments.
4. Availability of the reports
A copy of the report will be sent to the FAA, ConnDOT, Town of Simsbury, Airport Owner and the Simsbury Flying Club. Inquiries about the report need to be made to the Town. Comments and suggestions may also be directed to the Town.
5. What is the timeframe for acquisition of the Airport for budgeting purposes?
May 1st is the deadline for applications for FAA Funding in Fiscal Year 2009 (Oct. 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009). Once the Town has completed this study a decision must be reached whether to further pursue the acquisition of the Airport. If the Town chooses to pursue acquisition, an additional study will be needed and will include further environmental investigations and property appraisals.
6. The Town has a 6 Year Budget and requires a project to be placed on the Capital Improvement Plan 2 years in advance.
The next meeting will discuss the costs of the recommended capital improvement plan of Simsbury Airport and the financial feasibility of acquiring and operating the Airport. Budget estimates will be available for the Town Capital Plan at this time.
7. Will the FAA fund the land acquisition up front?
It is anticipated that if the Town and Airport Owner had a purchase agreement/contract for the property transfer, then the Town could apply (and received) an FAA grant for the purchase of the property. It is likely that an arrangement could be made to minimize or eliminate the need for the Town to front the money for the acquisition. As a similar project has not occurred recently, the specific logistics of the property transfer have not yet been determined. If the Town is interested in purchasing the Airport prior to the availability of federal funds, it may be possible that the State would bond for the acquisition, with reimbursement through FAA grants. State legislative action would be required for this option.
8. Explain the new legislation regarding the State's first right of refusal?
In Connecticut, the State now has the first right to refuse the purchase of an airport if the current owners intend to sell the land for non-aviation uses. This is intended to preserve airports in the State. ConnDOT personnel have expressed a favorable interest in this legislation, but noted that no funding source or budget has been included. The legislation is relatively new, thus implementation has not occurred at an airport to date.
9. It should be noted that the current property owners have not offered to sell the property; nor has the Town has offered to purchase the property at this time. This report is supposed to be used for informative purposes and as a decision tool for the Town. The airport owner has expressed an interest in the outcome of the study.
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