In 2001, the Taxiway Relocation Project was identified in the Airport Layout Plan and reaffirmed when the Runway Safety Area Determination Report was completed. The Taxiway Relocation Project is necessary in order to meet FAA safety standards. Due to the larger aircraft with longer wingspans that fly into Sugar Land Regional Airport, the FAA and TxDOT required the Airport to begin this project to provide more distance between the runway and the taxiway. Benefits of this project include but are not limited to increased operations, greater accommodation for larger corporate jet aircraft, maintaining FAA safety standards, and a strong local economy of growing business investment. The Taxiway Relocation Project is critical to the overall sustainability of the Airport.
Resolution No. 11-42 was approved for the Taxiway Relocation Project (AP1201) on December 20, 2011. Since then, the environmental study, engineering and design work, and construction for the center and the south section of the taxiway have been completed. Additionally, the Smithville housing area was purchased and structures demolished in preparation for the taxiway construction. The north section of the taxiway is the last section that needs to be constructed. Originally the north section was planned to be divided into two phases. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the contract for the first phase was terminated.
Airport Management has been working closely with TxDOT Aviation on next steps to continue moving the project forward towards completion. In October, TxDOT reached out to notify staff of grant funding from the FAA for the taxiway project in the amount of $8,016,667. The sponsor share is approximately $801,667.00. Staff has prepared the CIP budget in preparation of the completion of the taxiway. The FY21 CIP budget reflects $750,000.00 for CAP2101 that will be carried over and added to the FY22 CIP budget of $441,565.00 for a total of $1,191,565 for this project. It is the goal of TxDOT Aviation and Airport Management that when this project goes out to bid we work collaboratively to complete the taxiway as one phase.
This project will include new taxiway pavement, lights, drainage, sodding, and pavement removal, as well as temporary pavement, to continue operations on Taxilane Delta. Some of the work will require the runway to be closed -- to minimize the impact on airport operations, this will be completed at night. At the conclusion of this project, the east parallel taxiway will be constructed to meet the Runway Safety Area standards per the FAA requirements.
This project was discussed with the City Council Finance/Audit Committee at their November 4th meeting. The Committee was supportive of moving forward with the project.
With that, Airport staff recommends City Council approve Resolution 21-33 accepting the grant for the taxiway relocation project and authorize the sponsor share payment.