DATE: MARCH 8, 2022
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS, AIRPORT DIVISION
BY: DAVID JACOBS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
FROM: BRETT J. GODOWN, C.M., C.A.E., AIRPORT MANAGER
TITLE: SALINAS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT MASTER PLAN – UPDATE NO. 1 RECOMMENDED MOTION:
No action is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
No recommendation is provided since this update is presented for informational purposes only.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Airport planning is a systematic process used to establish guidelines for the efficient development of airports that is consistent with local, state, and national goals. A key objective of airport planning is to assure the effective use of airport resources in order to satisfy aviation demand in a financially feasible manner. Airport planning may be as broad-based as the national system plan or more centrally focused as an airport master plan for a specific airport. An airport master plan represents the airport’s blueprint for long-term development.
The previous Master Plan (MP) for the Salinas Municipal Airport was completed in 2004. Since 2004, multiple minor updates have been completed to the MP. These minor updates are known as Airport Layout Plan (ALP) Updates, with the most recent ALP being completed in 2016. The objective of this MP is to evaluate the many changes that have occurred both at Salinas and with FAA guidance to develop a recommended future development plan that enhances the long-term operational viability of Salinas and provides an updated guide for land use and development decisions on and near the Airport.
Throughout the MP planning cycle planned through 2022 and 2023, regular updates will be presented to the Salinas Airport Commission and City Council.
BACKGROUND:
This report serves to update the Commission and Council on the overall Airport Master Planning process and our intent and goals for the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) and Public Information Meetings held on February 23, 2022.
An airport master plan examines the anticipated growth of aviation activity and recommends a long-range (20-year) improvement plan to accommodate anticipated growth, maintain existing facilities, conform to FAA standards, and realize the City’s vision for its economic asset. The process for the Salinas Municipal Airport Master Plan will follow the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) guidance on Airport Master Plans as prescribed in Advisory Circular 150/5070-6B. The general process includes, in mostly sequential order, data collection, activity forecasting, demand/capacity analysis, facility requirements and alternatives analysis, capital improvement programming, airport layout plan (ALP) development, and reporting.
The project is currently in the data collection and initiation phase. Efforts to date include onsite field inventory and review, desktop research, airport records review, discussions with airport staff, initiating aerial and ground surveys, establishing the PAC, initiating an environmental baseline, and scheduling the committee and public meetings. Additionally, input and questions about the project were solicited at the 2021 Air Show.
As part of the master planning process, the FAA requires an opportunity be provided by airport stakeholders and the general public. To this end, a PAC has been established and includes representatives from the City, airport tenants, local business interests, and airport neighbors. This committee has been established to advise the City and its consultants throughout the project regarding their ideas and concerns and is intended to represent a range of airport stakeholders with varied interests. The first meeting is intended for the consultant to brief the committee on the project and their role, answer any questions they may have and solicit early input for the project.
Committee members will be kept up to date on project progress and asked to comment on project deliverables throughout the project. Committee meetings will generally happen at key decision points during the project to allow for meaningful input. The first Committee meeting was held on February 23, 2022.
Additionally, public meetings will be held to inform the public of the project and its progress and to solicit feedback and input about the project and the airport in general. Public outreach, to-date, has included an information booth at the airshow and soliciting attendees for input, and the first public meeting held on February 23, 2022. Subsequent meetings will be scheduled at a later date.
CEQA/NEPA CONSIDERATION:
CEQA:
The City of Salinas has determined that the master planning effort is exempt (Categorical Exemption – CATEX) from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Section 15300, Class 1) because it is not a project. This plan will ensure the airport remains a safe operating facility as mandated by the FAA.
NEPA:
Because the City is accepting federal funds for this plan, the work is subject to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The FAA has determined that the master planning effort is exempt (Categorical Exemption – CATEX) pursuant to FAA Order 1050.1E paragraph 307o because the issuance of a planning grant does not imply a project commitment, such as airport planning grants qualifies for a categorical exclusion. This plan will ensure the airport remains a safe operating facility as mandated by the FAA.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This project addresses the current City Council’s Goals of “Operational Efficiencies,” and “Investment Strategies/Risk Management.”
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION
The project management group includes the Public Works Director and Airport Manager. Members of the PAC include other Divisions within Public Works and the Community Development Department. At subsequent stages and milestones, City Administration, City Attorney’s Office, and Salinas Fire and Police Departments will be coordinated with.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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