REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
August 27, 2020
FROM: KEVIN R. MEIKLE, Director of Aviation
Airports Department
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Authorizing and directing submission of applications and execution of related documents for Transportation Security Administration Other Transaction Agreement Funding of a Checked Baggage Facility and In-line Checked Baggage Inspection System at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (Council District 4)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council adopt a resolution authorizing and in support of applications for the Airports Department to obtain Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) funding from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and authorize the Director of Aviation or designees to execute all application-related documents.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Fresno Yosemite International Airport has experienced a 70% increase in enplanements since the last major Terminal project in 2010. This unprecedented growth has highlighted the need to expand TSA passenger security screening along with enhancing baggage screening capabilities and throughput to meet current and future demand. The proposed Project involves design of a new TSA Checked Baggage Facility and Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) as part of a 2021-2023 Terminal Expansion Project. The design will include demolition, civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and telecommunications infrastructure to support the installation of a new baggage conveyance system, Explosive Detection System (EDS) machines, Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) resolution area(s), and the installation of hardware and software for use with an in-line baggage screening system.
TSA provides OTA funding to reimburse airports for the allowable design and construction costs associated with installing, updating, or replacing checked baggage screening systems.
BACKGROUND
Congress authorizes TSA to make grants to airports to help strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. TSA utilizes letters of intent and Other Transaction Agreements as funding instruments to reimburse airport sponsors for eligible aviation security projects. TSA distributes funds to airports to assist in infrastructure improvements to enhance the ability of airports to install baggage conveyer systems related to aviation security; reconfigure terminal baggage areas as required to install explosive detection systems; and deploy explosive detection systems behind the ticket counter, in the baggage sorting area or in line with the baggage handling system.
TSA initially determined a need for CBIS in 2008. However, executing a CBIS project as part of a comprehensive Terminal expansion better aligns operational efficiencies, which is why the TSA is supporting this initiative. This first OTA funding reimbursement will be for a 30% design effort. The current pandemic is not a factor in moving this long-term initiative forward. FAT is now approximately 55% of 2019 levels, 4-years ahead of the master plan forecast, and anticipated to be at 100% of 2019 passenger levels by June 2021, well before any planned terminal construction activity.
The proposed TSA OTA will provide funding for the Checked Baggage Facility and Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) which is a critical element of the FATforward Terminal Expansion Project.
The City Attorney has reviewed the resolution as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This Resolution and authorization to submit grant applications is not a “project” for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
Council has previously adopted the Terminal Expansion Project - Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration dated January 27, 2020, on March 19, 2020.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because this Resolution and authorization does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
This request will have no impact to the General Fund. The project supports FAT’s growth and related economic and job impact to the region.
Attachment:
- TSA OTA Resolution