07. Chapter 7 - Capital ProgramMASTER PLAN UPDATE - FINAL
Kafispeff City Airport
Chapter 7 CAPITAL PROGRAM
7.1 Introcluction
The analyses completed in previous chapters evaluated development needs at the airport over the
next 20 years and beyond, based on forecast activity and operational efficiency. Next, basic
economic, financial, and management rationale is applied to each development item of the
recommended alternative so that the feasibility of each item contained in the plan can be assessed.
The capital program has been organized into five sections. The first section is the 20-year capital
needs program (CNP). This section identifies capital projects anticipated to be needed within each
planning horizon. The second section is a discussion of various local, state, federal, and private
sources of funding for airport improvements. The third section is a twenty-year capital improvement
program (CIP). The CIP will identify priority projects, by year, from 2012 to 2032. The CIP
estimates are based upon probable levels of FAA, state, and local funding. The resulting twenty-year
CIP will thus consist of those projects with the highest priority and the highest probability of
receiving funding. The fourth section is an Airport Financial Plan to assist with identifying,
planning, and managing airport revenues and operational expenses. The fifth and final section will
discuss the economic benefits of the airport.
7.2. Capital Neej, Program
Now that the specific needs and improvements for the airport have been established, the next step is
to determine a realistic schedule and the associated costs for implementing the plan. This section will
examine the overall cost of each item in the development schedule. The recommended
improvements are grouped by planning horizon: short term, intermediate term, and long term. The
short term planning horizon contains items of highest priority and need. As short term horizon
activity levels are reached, it will then be time to program for the intermediate term based upon the
next activity milestones. Similarly, when the intermediate term milestones are reached, it will be
time to program for the long term activity milestones.
Some development items included in the recommended concept will need to follow demand
indicators. For example, the plan includes construction of ramp areas and taxilanes. Based aircraft
will be the indicator for additional ramp areas and tie -down facilities. If based aircraft growth occurs
as projected, additional ramp areas and the supporting facilities will need to be constructed to meet
the demand.
If growth slows or does not occur as projected, ramp expansion projects can be delayed. As a result,
capital expenditures will be undertaken as needed, which leads to a responsible use of capital assets.
Some development items do not depend on demand, such as projects intended to meet FAA design
standards (initial runway/taxiway construction) and pavement maintenance. These types of projects
typically are associated with day-to-day operations and compliance, and should be monitored and
identified by airport management.
All federally funded airport projects are subject to environmental review. Some projects may be
covered by a Categorical Exclusion, while others will require an Environmental Assessment (EA).
The conclusions of an EA are generally valid for three years after completion of the study. Any
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projects considered after this timeframe would require updated environmental documentation. The
recommended development included in the Capital Needs Program would certainly require an
Environmental Assessment or more specifically, an Environmental Assessment Update to the 2002
EA. Future development occurring more than three years after the EA would then require a
Categorical Exclusion Checklist.
As a master plan is a conceptual document, implementation of these capital projects should only be
undertaken after further refinement of their design and costs through architectural and engineering
analyses. Moreover, some projects may require further environmental study such as runway
widening and extension. The cost estimates presented in this chapter have been increased by 5
percent to allow for contingencies that may arise on the project. The cost estimates also include 12
percent for design and engineering, and an additional 13 percent for construction, inspection, and
project management. Capital costs presented here should be viewed only as estimates subject to
further refinement during design. Nevertheless, these estimates are considered reasonable for
planning purposes. Cost estimates for each of the development projects listed in the capital program
are in 2012 dollars. A 2 1/2 percent annual inflation factor has been accounted for in the estimates
based on the planned year for development.
The proposed Capital Needs Program (CNP) has been divided into three planning horizons: short,
intermediate, and long term. By grouping the projects, the City of Kalispell can accelerate projects
that become critical or delay projects that are not priorities.
7.2.1 Airside Development Needs
Airside development facilities are those specifically needed for the departure and arrival of aircraft.
At the Kalispell City Airport, these facilities include the runway, taxiways, hazard mitigation, the
land required to construct the facilities, and navigational aides (lighting, approach aids, signage,
marking, etc.) Specific airside development requirements are identified on Exhibit 7-1.
Improvements depicted on Exhibit 7-1 are numerically keyed to development items in Tables 7-1, 7-
2, 7-3, and 7-4.
7.2.1.1 Land Acquisition and Relocations
Prior to proceeding with any development, approximately 76 acres of land adjoining the airport must
be acquired in fee or controlled by the City through easements or other measures. This will likely
require the acquisition of the full parcels so as not to leave any uneconomic remnants. Actual land
acquisition acreage is estimated to be 114.35 acres. Twenty-seven (27) tracts of land owned by
seventeen (17) property owners would be affected by the land acquisition requirements for the
recommended alternative.
According to a preliminary relocation plan report, prepared by Olson Land Services in March of
2002 (in conjunction with the 2002 EA), the proposed development would displace five businesses,
nine residential units (including three owner -occupied residences, two mobile homes, and four
rentals), and require approximately twenty-three property moves. This relocation plan has not been
formally updated since that time, but five of the tracts originally required have since been acquired
by the City. Acquisition of these five parcels combined with changes of occupancy on some of the
other required tracts would warrant an update to the relocation plan. Based on information obtained
during this planning study, it is estimated that the proposed development would displace three
businesses and five residential units.
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Exhibit 7-1
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7.2.1.2 Elimination of Hazards Posed by KGEZ Radio Towers
The 2002 Environmental Assessment included an investigation by the City of Kalispell on options to
eliminate the airspace penetrations associated with the KGEZ radio towers. Technical options
reviewed included lowering, relocating, or removing the towers. Lowering relies on replacing each
tall tower with an array of four substantially shorter towers, called a "paran array." Relocating the
towers could be accomplished by constructing a completely new set of broadcast towers or by
sharing an existing radio tower and building one new tower at the same site. Removing the existing
towers by outright purchase could be accomplished through a willing sale by the current owner or
condemnation. With a willing owner, the station's license could be down graded, but continue
transmitting from a single tower that would open more options for relocation. FAA funding
participation will be limited to the costs required for the physical removal or demolition of the
structures, less any salvage value received from the materials. The difference in cost between the
final purchase price and the estimated value of removal or demolition of the towers must be entirely
funded by the City.
The radio station, buildings, and property (and towers) are currently owned by Todd and Davar
Gardner who acquired the station and property through a bankruptcy settlement with the previous
owner. The Gardner's are presently leasing the radio station to John Hendricks who controls the
operations and programming for the station. According to a Flathead Beacon article by Meyers
Reece (February 10, 2011) and informal discussions with the new owner, the Gardner's are aware of
the airspace hazard the tower penetrations present to the airport and the need to lower or remove
them. From the Flathead Beacon article, `Gardner said he's spoken with the city about its need to
purchase the radio towers in order to address a long -running concern over municipal air space. But
city officials have indicated such a move is years away. When it happens, Gardner is confident a
deal will be struck that pleases all parties. "We've always communicated with them that we're good
neighbors and we'll be glad to work with them," Gardner said.' Active negotiations with the
Gardner's to lower the towers and mitigate the hazard are expected to begin once an official decision
by the City Council is made to concur with the Recommended Alternative presented in this Master
Plan Update.
7.2.1.3 Reconstruct Runway 13/31 to Runway 14/32 Orientation
The primary development goal for the Kalispell City Airport is the reconstruction of Runway 13/31
to ensure that a future upgrade to ARC B-II design standards can be accomplished as depicted and
described in the Site 1, Option B alternative. At its current location, Runway 13/31 can not
effectively be upgraded to fully comply with FAA design standards for ARC B-II aircraft. Of
primary consideration is meeting increased FAA design standards for Design Group II aircraft for
the runway safety area (RSA), object free area (OFA), obstacle free zone (OFZ), and runway
protection zone (RPZ) as well as the increased separation standards between the runway and parallel
taxiway, aircraft parking areas, and structures. Reconstruction of the runway in a different location
and orientation is essentially required to accommodate the increased design standards.
The critical aircraft determination developed in Chapter 4 of this report indicates that the current
critical aircraft operating at the Kalispell City Airport is typical of aircraft in Approach Category B,
Design Group I, but will likely increase to Approach Category B, Design Group II during the 20-
planning period. Because of this anticipated increase in use by Design Group II aircraft during the
20-year planning period, development at the airport must plan and protect for ARC B-II standards.
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Typically this would mean that all separation standards, safety areas, and object free areas would be
planned, designed, and constructed to ARC B-II standards while initial development of paved
surfaces may be scaled back to ARC B-I widths. However, in the case of Kalispell City Airport, the
FAA will support initial development of Runway 14/32 to full B-II standards. To meet Design
Group II standards at the Kalispell City Airport, the current runway alignment and orientation must
be shifted to the south and west; and rotated 5.3 degrees in a clockwise direction. These changes are
necessary to allow meet FAA requirements for Runway Protection Zones, Runway/Taxiway Object
Free Areas, and to mitigate FAR Part 77 airspace obstructions.
Phased construction projects are a more frequent requirement by the FAA to allow for limited annual
appropriations to fund more projects during any given year. Under the current funding bill, the FAA
will only receive $4.7 million in State Apportionment funding for the entire state of Montana
(compared with $5.5 to $6.0 million in prior years). With rising construction costs, it has become a
common occurrence for runway improvement projects to cost upwards of $3 million or more.
Because of capital needs required to reconstruct Runway 14/32 to the full B-II width of 75 feet, a
phased development plan may be necessary. With a phased development plan, initial development
might be planned to meet all ARC B-II design standards except for pavement widths.
Reconstruction of Runway 14/32 would initially be done to a width of 60-feet and the minimum
recommended length of 4,200-feet. Although the initial pavement width only meets ARC B-I design
standards, the grading and clearing for the RSA, ROFA, and ROFZ would be performed to meet the
more stringent ARC B-II standards. When the initial development phase is properly designed, a
future widening project can easily be accomplished. The future upgrade of Runway 14/32 to the
ARC B-II width would likely be accomplished by widening 12.5-feet on both sides of the runway in
order to maintain a center crown on the pavement. Pavement edge drains would not be installed
during the initial construction phase but would be included on the future widening project.
In a similar manner, the initial runway length could be constructed to 4,200 feet which would
accommodate 95 percent of the small airplane fleet with 10 or less passengers. When demand would
warrant a longer runway, a runway extension would be constructed to the ultimate length of 4,700
feet. Although this ultimate runway extension is not anticipated during the 20-year planning period,
it must be planned for and shown on the Airport Layout Plan. Since there does not appear to be
much support for a longer runway at this location, a runway extension is not identified as a capital
improvement during the planning period. It would be entirely up to the Sponsor to proceed with the
runway extension.
To summarize the airport development strategy, the recommended development approach is to
reconstruct Runway 13/31 to a new orientation of 14/32 that fully meets FAA design standards for
ARC B-II, including a 75-foot runway width. Runway length would initially be constructed to 4,200
feet with no plan to extend the runway to its ultimate length of 4,700 feet during the 20-year
planning period.
7.2.1.4 Reconstruct Parallel and Connector Taxiways
In conjunction with the reconstruction of Runway 14/32 will be the reconstruction of a west -side
parallel taxiway and connector taxiways at mid -field and on Runway 14. Taxiway reconstruction
will likely be performed in a similar phased manner as the runway construction. If funding
limitations require a phased development plan, initial development would plan to meet all ARC B-II
design standards except for pavement widths. Construction of the parallel taxiway could initially be
done to a width of 25-feet and is planned to run the full 4,200-feet length of the runway. Although
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the initial pavement width only meets ARC B-I design standards, taxiway separation and the grading
and clearing for the safety area and object free area would be performed to meet the more stringent
ARC B-II standards. When the initial development phase is properly designed, a future widening
project can easily be accomplished. The future upgrade of the taxiway to the ARC B-II width would
likely be accomplished by widening 10-feet on one side of the taxiway. The taxiway would likely be
designed with a transverse grade to accommodate widening on one side only. Pavement edge drains
would not be installed during the initial construction phase but would be included on the future
widening project. Similar to the runway development approach, the recommended
development approach for parallel and connector taxiways is to initially construct to the
requirements that fully meet FAA design standards for ARC B-II, including a 35-foot taxiway
width. The parallel taxiway would also be initially constructed the full 4,200 feet length of
Runway 14/32 and there would be no plan for a taxiway extension during the 20-year planning
period.
7.2.1.5 Extend Runway 32
As discussed in Chapter 4, the minimum recommended runway length to accommodate 95 percent
of small airplanes with less than 10 passenger seats at Kalispell City Airport is 4,200 feet; a 600 foot
increase in length from the existing runway. The need to lengthen the runway to 4,700 feet to
accommodate 100 percent of small airplanes is not supported at this time or anticipated during the
20-year planning period. However, runway length may become an issue if the airport is frequented
by higher performance aircraft in the future, especially if unanticipated use is the result of the airport
being upgraded to ARC B-II standards. Although an ultimate runway extension from 4,200-feet to
4,700 feet is not anticipated during the 20-year planning period, it must be depicted on the Airport
Layout Plan. However, it is not included in the proposed Capital Improvement Plan.
7.2.1.6 Other Improvements
Initial development would include installation of a new, ducted, medium -intensity lighting system
for the runway, taxiway markers, new beacon, and segmented circle/wind sock. The lighting system
would be installed in a manner that would easily facilitate the relocation of the runway lights and
bases under the widening phase. The widening phase would include the relocation of the runway
lights and bases and installation of PAPI's on both runway approaches.
7.2.2 Landside Development Needs
Examples of landside facilities include aircraft storage hangars, terminal buildings, aircraft parking
aprons, hangar and apron access taxilanes, fuel storage facilities, and vehicle access roads and
parking lots. The landside plan for Kalispell City Airport has been developed to efficiently
accommodate potential, future aviation demand and provide revenue enhancement possibilities by
designating the use of certain portions of airport property for aviation -related and non -aviation
related businesses. At the Kalispell City Airport, development constraints surrounding the existing
site limit options for landside facilities. The development of landside facilities will be demand -
based. In this manner, the facilities will only be constructed if required by verifiable demand. For
example, taxilanes to service new areas for private hangar development will only be constructed if
new based aircraft owners desire sites to construct enclosed aircraft storage. The landside plan is
based on projected needs that can change over time to ensure the orderly development of the airport
should this demand materialize.
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Chapter 5 — Facility Requirements identified a continuing need to provide aircraft parking ramp and
tie -down areas. The existing west -side ramp is currently 70 to 80 percent of capacity and will likely
exceed capacity in a few years. The recommended plan will consolidate landside facilities on the
west side of the airport where the majority of apron and hangar development has been planned and
constructed. Because of the development constraints at the existing site, expansion opportunities are
somewhat limited. New apron and hangar spaces would be developed to the south of the existing
facilities. A proposed ramp expansion would provide an additional 17 aircraft tie -downs and allow
for development of several box hangars and an FBO area on the west side of the ramp.
Development in this area would also include construction of new access roads and parking lots.
New fueling facilities would also be developed on the west side of the airport near the FBO and
ramp expansion. Also depicted on the proposed development plan is a future, short taxilane
extension on the north end of the airport which will allow for development of a couple new hangars
in this area. Specific development plans for the landside areas at Kalispell City Airport are
summarized on Exhibit 7-1.
7.2.3 Phasing of Development
One important consideration with the proposed development of the recommended alternative is the
phasing required to construct the improvements with the availability of funding and with the
minimum impact to airport users. The FAA will not be able to fund the full development of the
airport in one, or even two years. With a total estimated development cost of $17 million (including
land acquisition, hazard mitigation, and full airport development), federal funding will be made
available over several years, as funding allows. Prior to funding any development, the FAA will
require that the NEPA process be concluded (with a finding of "No Significant Impact"); that all
required land necessary for development and protection of the approaches (as depicted on the
approved Exhibit "A" Property Map) be held in fee by the City or controlled through easement; and
that the radio tower hazards be mitigated. To accomplish this, the City will need to either "front" the
costs for tower mitigation and land acquisition or execute contracts that defer payment (or partial
payment) to the sellers until after federal reimbursement is processed by the FAA. With significant
costs estimated for land acquisition and tower mitigation, reimbursement will likely take three to
four years.
Once the required land acquisition and tower mitigation are completed, phased airport development
can proceed. The first thing that will need to occur is the relocation of the FBO (Red Eagle
Aviation) and support facilities that are presently located on the east side of the airport. Because of
the higher safety standards associated with the proposed development, most of the FBOs facilities
will have to be demolished and reconstructed or relocated to the new FBO location. The
recommended alternative consolidates all land -side support facilities on the west side of the airport
and there will be no aircraft access (taxiways) to the runway from the east side of the airport. In
order to construct the new runway, relocation of the FBO to its new home will be required in
advance of runway construction. Thus, the first phase on future development must be to construct
the facilities necessary to support the FBO and minimize disruption to their normal business
operations. Facilities required to support the relocation of the FBO to its new location include leased
hangar and shop space, office space, ramp and tie -down areas, fueling facilities, access roads, and
parking areas. These support facilities along with a portion of the future parallel taxiway needed to
connect to existing pavements are the first proposed phase of development at the airport and are
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designated Phase II Improvements. Phase I improvements included the ramp, taxiway, and taxilane
project constructed in 2006.
Phase III improvements include construction of Runway 14/32 (75' x 3,600') and the remaining
segments of the parallel taxiway. Phase III would also include the runway lighting system, PAPIs,
segmented circle, and Windcone.
TABLE 7-1
Capita[ deeds Program - Short Term Horizon
......... 1
Pavement Maintenance — Phase I Improvements
....... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
.........Maintenance
$30,000
.................................................................
2
Environmental Assessment Update
....... ........ ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
......... Environmental
$45,000
3
KGEZ Tower Mitigation incl. Consultant Assistance
Hazard Mitigation
$420,000
......... 4
Land Acquisition (Tract 2+)
....... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
..........Land for Development
$600,000
................................................................
5
Land Acquisition (Tract 2E)
.. ......... ...... ........ ......... ......... ......... .........
Land for Development
$180,000
......... 6
Land Acquisition Tract 2FA
.. ......... q .... (......... ......... )
Land for Development
$225,000
......... 7
Land Acquisition Tract 2G
.. ......... q .... (......... ......�
Land for Development
$115,000
......... 8
Land Acquisition (Tracts 2J, 2JA & 2JB)
........ ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
..........Land for Development
$270,000
.................................................................
.........
Land Acquisition Tract 2M
.. ......... q ...... ......... .........
Land for Development
$60,000
10
Land Acquisition (Tract 7C)
.. ......... ...... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
Land for Development
$30.00
......... 11
Land Acquisition (Tract 5BB)
:...... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
.........:Land for Development
$60,000
:.................................................................
......... 12
Land Acquisition Tracts 5, 5GC, 5H, 5J & 12B
.. ......... q .... (......... ......... ......... ......... )
Land for Development
$809,100
......... 13
Land Acquisition Tract 5HA
.. ......... q .... (......... ......... )
Land for Development
$85,800
14
Land Acquisition (Tracts 6+, 6D, 6K, 13C, 13F & 13G)
Land for Development
$1,275,000
......... 15
Easement Acquisition (Tract 1)
....... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
..........Land for Approaches
$20,000
................................................................
16
Easement Acquisition (Tract lA)
...... ......... ......... ........ ......... ......... .........
Land for Approaches
$9,000
17
Easement Acquisition (Tracts 12A & 12AA) ........
Land for Approaches
$267,500
......... ...............
......... 18
Land Acquisition (Tracts 12+ & 12C)
....... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
.........Land for Approaches
$323,047
.................................................................
.........--
Consultant Assistance for Land Acquisition
......... ......... ........ ......... ......... ......... .........
Land for Development
$222,230
.........
......... --
Preliminary Engineering & Preliminary Design
Safety/Demand
$178,428
......... ...............
......... 19
Phase II Ramp Expansion
....... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
..........Demand
$897,380
................................................................
20
Phase II Taxiway Improvements .........
Safety
$448,000.....
21
Phase II FBO Facilities, Access Road &Parking
........ Demand
$996,140
22
.........
Phase II Self Service Fuel Facilities
....... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
.........Revenue
$421,880
.................................................................
23
Relocate Utilities (SS, FM & Gas)
Safety
$168,750
Tota/Short Term Development Costs
$81127�285
Note: All costs are estimated in 2012 prices
7.2.4 Pavement Maintenance
Although not a particular improvement, pavement maintenance is an important element to a Capital
Improvement Plan, particularly with respect to funding. Crack sealing and fog coats should
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generally be performed every five to six years to preserve existing pavements and extend pavement
life. Full rehabilitation such as an overlay should generally be performed when a pavement reaches
20 years in age. Pavement maintenance is currently due on the new ramps and taxilanes constructed
in 2006 and is planned for the summer of 2012. To meet the five to six year time frame, pavement
maintenance would again be required on these pavements in 2017 or 2018. A similar schedule for
pavement maintenance will be included for all new pavements proposed in the Capital Improvement
Plan.
7.2.5 Short Term Improvements
In the short term, priority projects would include all the preliminary requirements necessary to
comply with FAA development requirements and the development necessary to relocate the FBO to
its new location. Short term projects include an Environmental Assessment Update, radio tower
mitigation, land acquisition necessary for development and approaches, and Phase II airport
development. Specific projects are summarized in Table 7-1.
7.2.6 Intermediate Term Improvements
In the intermediate term, priority projects are focused on completing initial airport development and
construction of the perimeter wildlife fence. The Phase II Airport Improvements project will include
construction of Runway 14/32 (75' x 4,200') including the installation of pavement edge drains,
runway lighting and signage, and the installation of PAPIs on both runway ends. Phase II will also
include the completion of the parallel and connector taxiways (35' wide). The west side ramp and
taxilanes constructed in 2006 will also require an overlay during this planning period to prolong the
life of the pavements. Specific projects are summarized in Table 7-2.
TABLE 7-2
Capital deeds Program - Intermediate Term Horizon
1
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Phase III Runway Improvements
Safety
$2,844,030
2
................................................................................................................................................
Phase III TaxiwayImprovements
P...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Safet Y...............................................................................................................................
$679,005
3
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Y...............................................................................................................................
Pavement Rehabilitation — Phase I Improvements
Safet
$756,000
4
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Perimeter Wildlife/Security Fence
Safety
$351,450
5
Land Acquisition (Tract 3AB)
Land for Development
$315,000
Total Intermediate Term Development Costs
$4i945i485
Note: All costs are estimated in 2012 prices
7.2.7 Long Term Improvements
In the long term, priority projects will be limited to pavement maintenance. Long-term projects will
also include several pavement maintenance projects. Specific projects are summarized in Table 7-3.
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TABLE 7-3
Capita[ Needs Program - Long Term Horizon
Total Long Term Development Costs k662,88o
Note: All costs are estimated in 2012 prices
7.5 Federal,'5tate, and Local Funding 15ources
Financing capital improvements at the airport will not rely solely on the financial resources of the
airport. Capital improvement funding is available through various grant-in-aid programs on both the
state and federal levels. The following discussion outlines key sources of funding potentially
available for capital improvements at Kalispell City Airport.
7.3.1 Federal Grants
Through federal legislation over the years, various grant-in-aid programs have been established to
develop and maintain a system of public airports across the United States. The purpose of this
system and its federally based funding is to maintain national defense and to promote interstate
commerce.
After several years of reauthorizing the Century of Aviation Re -authorization Act, or Vision 100
aviation bill, a new four-year bill was authorized on February 14, 2012. The new bill covers FAA
fiscal years 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. This bill authorizes $63.4 billion in Federal funding to the
FAA over the next four -years. With a four-year authorization, the FAA has the opportunity to plan
for longer term projects versus one-year reauthorizations.
The source for aviation funding was the Aviation Trust Fund. The Aviation Trust Fund was
established in 1970 to provide funding for aviation capital investment programs (aviation
development, facilities and equipment, and research and development). The Aviation Trust Fund
also finances the operation of the FAA. It is funded by user fees, including taxes on airline tickets,
aviation fuel, and various aircraft parts.
Funds are distributed each year by the FAA from appropriations by Congress. With this new
authorization, eligible general aviation airports will receive up to $150,000 of funding each year in
Non -Primary Entitlement (NPE) funds (National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems [NPIAS] -
inclusion is required for general aviation entitlement funding). Kalispell City Airport is a NPIAS
airport and would qualify for full NPE funding provided it proceeds with the necessary
improvements to meet current FAA design standards and mitigate hazards to air navigation. To
specifically qualify for the funding, the City of Kalispell will need to mitigate the two KGEZ radio
towers and acquire the necessary property required to construct a facility which meets FAA design
standards. The costs to remove the towers and acquire the necessary land would be federally
reimbursable costs that the City would need to front.
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The remaining AIP funds are distributed by the FAA based upon the priority of the project for which
they have requested federal assistance through discretionary apportionments. A national priority
ranking system is used to evaluate and rank each airport project. Those projects with the highest
priority are given preference in funding. These funds are distributed through the local Airports
District Offices for the projects being funded in each district and are termed State Apportionment
funds.
Under the AIP program, examples of eligible development projects include the airfield, public
aprons, and access roads. Additional buildings and structures may be eligible if the function of the
structure is to serve airport operations in a non -revenue generating capacity such as maintenance
facilities. Whereas entitlement monies are guaranteed on an annual basis, discretionary funds are not
assured. Discretionary funds are typically not applicable to general aviation facilities. If the
combination of entitlement, discretionary, and airport sponsor match does not provide enough capital
for planned development, projects may be delayed. Other supplemental funding sources are
described in the following subsections.
One of the key funding changes in the new aviation bill is the reduction of the federal share from 95
percent to 90 percent for most airports. In 2004, when the federal share was increased from 90
percent to 95 percent, competition for these funds increased. The 5 percent local match made it
much easier for more for cash -strapped airports to meet their local match requirements and fund
projects. It is anticipated that a reverse situation will occur with the increase in local match. The
higher local share required to develop projects and acquire equipment is likely to deter some airport
sponsors from proceeding with some projects. Important safety projects and needed expansion
projects will likely continue but the less needed development and equipment projects are likely to
taper off. Another important in change is that the amount of State Apportionment funding for the
entire State of Montana has been reduced from $5.5 - $6.0 million to $4.7 million. It is likely that
this funding reduction will increase competition for the limited amount of federal funding. The
combined affect of these two key changes on funding availability for the Kalispell City Airport is
difficult to predict.
7.3.2 State Loans and Grants
In support of the state aviation system, the State of Montana also participates in airport improvement
projects. The Airport Loan and Grant Program, which is administered by the MDT Aeronautics
Division, can provide low interest loans and grants to eligible airports and aviation facilities in the
State of Montana. Any airport that is publicly owned and is public -use is eligible to apply for loans
and grants. Projects that are typical of airport improvements usually include maintenance, pavement
rehabilitation, and/or construction, lighting, communications and/or infrastructure, terminal or pilots
lounge construction, and many other projects.
7.3.2.1 State Grants
Aeronautics grants are eligible to provide funding for up to half of the airport's share of Federal
airport (NPIAS) project costs, or, 100 percent of the total airport's cost of non -Federal and/or outside
supported costs. Grants are primarily funded by a 2-cent per gallon tax on general aviation fuel. On
average, this tax generates approximately $350,000 of Aeronautics grant funding each year.
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7.3.2.2 State Loans
Montana Aeronautics Division Loans can be used to fund up to 100 percent of the airport's share of
any airport related project. Loans are repaid over a ten year period, with a fixed interest rate. The
interest rate for loans is 1/2 of the national prime lending rate as reported by the Montana Board of
Investments as of the first Monday in January of the applicable calendar year. The amount of funds
available for Aeronautics Division loans is also variable but is typically around $250,000 per year.
Aeronautics grants and loans are awarded on a discretionary basis by the Montana Aeronautics
Board. Applications must be submitted by the airport no later than the 41h Friday in November each
year. The Aeronautics Board typically meets in late January to review applications and make
awards. The Aeronautics Board has complete discretion in determining which projects to award
loan and grants to including the amount and type of funding to award. It is advantageous for
representatives of the airport to attend the annual loan and grant meeting and provide supplemental
information on their project(s). The recent reduction in federal funding from 95 percent to 90
percent will likely make State grant and loans far more competitive among airports. Historically the
goal on any large project was to seek half the of the 10 percent local match in grant funds and half in
loan funds. Since the local match is essentially doubling, this split is likely very optimistic. It will
likely vary year to year as to how much the State can assist on these large projects.
7.3.3 Local Funding
The balance of project costs, after consideration has been given to grants, must be funded through
local resources. Kalispell City Airport is owned and operated by the City of Kalispell. Daily
operations at the airport are presently managed by a part-time airport manager, employed by the City
of Kalispell with guidance provided by an Airport Advisory Council. Normal airport operations are
funded through an enterprise fund; no funds are used from the City's general fund to operate the
airport. Normal operating revenues are generated from aviation fuel taxes, ground leases,
commercial business fees, and related on -airport revenues. Airport improvements, land acquisition,
and planning studies have been locally funded through TIF funds and an Urban Renewal Bond `B'
that was issued in 2005.
7A Capital Improvement Program
A detailed breakdown of costs associated with Site 1, Option B was previously presented in Chapter
6. Based on these improvements, a Capital Improvement Plan has been established to identify
anticipated development costs and engineering costs throughout the 20-year planning period with
anticipated funding needs from Federal, State, and Local Sources. Table 7-4 summarizes the
Capital Improvement Plan for the Kalispell City Airport for the 20-year planning period.
One of the requirements that the FAA will have prior to funding or reimbursing any development for
the Kalispell City Airport is that the City will have mitigated the KGEZ radio tower penetrations and
acquired all of the land needed for development of the improvements and protection of the
approaches, as depicted on the approved Exhibit "A" Property Map. Although the
removal/demolition of the towers and the cost of acquiring the land are eligible for federal funding,
the FAA will not participate in funding any land or tower mitigation until the City has controlling
interest in all of the required land and the airspace obstructions caused by the radio towers are
mitigated. It is an all or nothing_ requirement. The only work that can be federally funded prior to
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meeting these two criteria is the update to the Environmental Assessment. Thus it will be paramount
to the success of this project to proceed with all land acquisition efforts and tower mitigation
negotiations immediately following the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) process.
The NEPA process will include the preparation of the Environmental Assessment Update which will
need to lead to a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Only following the FONSI
determination can the Sponsor enter into active land acquisition efforts with the needed property
owners.
There will be challenges for the City as a result of these requirements. The City will likely need to
fund the costs associated with land acquisition and tower mitigation up front in order to demonstrate
to the FAA that they have controlling interest in these properties and have either removed the tower
penetrations or can demonstrate the legal authority to do so. Again, it is important to convey that
this is an all or nothing requirement; even one missing piece of required property could derail or
postpone reimbursement of any costs the City may have incurred on land, tower mitigation, and
prior development. Only after the City provides the FAA with a legal opinion of clear title for all
required properties and the City has completed the removal of the radio tower penetrations will the
FAA make the first of multiple grant offers for reimbursement of these costs. The FAA has also
indicated that they will not likely be able to fund the reimbursement of all of the land acquisition
costs and tower mitigation costs in one year. Rather, reimbursement will have to stretch out over
several years and will be dependent on availability of Federal funds.
In addition, the costs directly associated with the relocation of the FBO (construction of new hangar,
office, and parking areas) will not be eligible for federal reimbursement; the ramp and taxiway
expansion are eligible items however. Since these facilities would be City -owned for the purpose of
revenue generation at the airport, the FBO would not be responsible for providing them. The City
will need to consider options to fund this work as the relocation of the FBO to the west side of the
airport is an essential component needed prior to reconstruction of the runway. Although the costs
required to install a new fueling facility are eligible costs, they cannot be funded (AIP requirement)
until the airside improvements (runway and taxiway) are completed. Therefore, the City will also
need to "front" the cost for this work but will ultimately be reimbursed at a later date.
The reimbursement schedule presented in Table 7-4 has been developed with input from the FAA
and shows the reimbursement of land acquisition costs extending from 2014 through 2016. Also
included in 2014 is the reimbursement of prior professional services and the Phase I Ramp
Expansion project completed in 2006. The intent in 2014 is to leverage as much federal
reimbursement from past expenditures to assist in contractual land obligations and construction of
the Phase H FBO facilities. This schedule is aggressive and is entirely dependent on obtaining a
FONSI in the Fall of 2012 so that land acquisition negotiations can begin in late 2012. An
aggressive land acquisition schedule will be needed to secure all of the required properties by the
spring of 2014 in order to receive the first FAA grant offer in 2014. If there is even one difficult
landowner that stalls the process, the timing of FAA reimbursement funding will need to slide
accordingly. Negotiations with the radio station owner to remove the towers should advance in
conjunction with the Environmental Assessment however; as soon as the City Council makes a
decision to proceed with the recommended development on the Airport Layout Plan. Efforts to
remove the tower obstructions would not require completion of the NEPA process unless the towers
will be relocated to another location and partially funded with federal grant funds. Assuming the
towers will simply be removed or demolished, the City should proceed with negotiations and plans
to complete this work immediately.
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Table 7-4
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7.5 Airport Financial Plan
7.5.1 Annual Operating Expenses
Airport operating funds are used to cover the day-to-day operation of the airport facility. Sufficient
funds must be available to pay for normal operating expenses and ensure that the facilities and
operations are in compliance with FAA rules and regulations. Major drivers for this category are
field maintenance, electricity, wages, and operating supplies. It is also important to ensure that
sufficient funds are planned for to properly maintain both the property and infrastructure, including
vehicles, equipment, airport buildings, and structures. Anticipated operating and maintenance
expenses include salaries and wages, repair and maintenance, utilities, oil and gas, insurance, and
debt obligation.
7.5.1.1 Salaries and Wages
Kalispell City Airport presently has a half-time airport manager that is on -call 24-hours per day, 7-
days per week. The person serving in this role, presently splits his time equally between airport
management duties and other City responsibilities that are not tied to the airport. This airport
manager earns an annual salary of $40,793 for his airport management responsibilities which is paid
for directly out of the Airport Enterprise Fund. There is also a seasonal employee budgeted into the
airport operations fund that is budgeted at $3,267. Total salaries and wages budgeted for fiscal year
2011-2012 is $44,060.
7.5.1.2 Operations
Operations costs include expenses for supplies, postage, dues, training, data processing from City
staff, and administrative transfer. Operations costs for the airport have varied between $12,000 and
$14,000 per year. Budget cuts have been planned for airport operations and the current budget for
these expenses is $8,545.
7.5.1.3 Utilities
Electrical costs for runway lighting and other NAVAIDs are budgeted at $1,500 for fiscal year 2011-
2012. Electrical costs typically fluctuate and have run $1,372 and $1,249 for the past two years.
The only other normal utility costs are telephone, cell phone, and internet services for the airport
manager's office at the airport. These costs are budgeted at $1,000 annually and have historically
come in pretty close to this number. It is not likely that the proposed development will impact utility
costs very much. Much of the newer runway lighting systems and NAVAIDs are more efficient than
those currently in use so there is likely to be some offset in energy use caused between the
installation of more devices versus the higher efficiency of the new devices. The initial utility
budget for utilities will be $2,500 annually.
7.5.1.4 Repair and Maintenance
Annual repair and maintenance expenses are budgeted each year. These expenses typically include
contract services for repairs, contract services for snow removal, materials for repairs, equipment
rental for repairs and maintenance, and maintenance provided by the City of Kalispell Public Works
Department. Repair and maintenance costs for the airport fluctuate year to year but have ranged
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between $14,000 and $22,000 annually over the last two years. The 2011-2012 fiscal year has a
budget of $19, 800 for repairs and maintenance.
7.5.1.5 Insurance
Property and general liability insurance carried for the airport has been costing between $6,000 and
$7,000 per year. The current budget has projected a cost $5,000 for fiscal year 2011-2012.
7.5.2 Annual Revenue
The Kalispell City Airport derives all of its revenue at the airport from a number of different sources.
These include commercial fees, tie -down fees, hangar leases, ground leases, FBO lease, fuel royalty,
and interest on investment earnings.
AIP grant assurances require that the Sponsor "will maintain a fee and rental structure for the
facilities and services at the airport which will make the airport as self-sustaining as possible under
the circumstances existing at the particular airport, taking into account such factors as the volume of
traffic and economy of collection. No part of the Federal share of an airport development, airport
planning or noise compatibility project for which a grant is made under Title 49, United States Code,
the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, the Federal Airport Act or the Airport and
Airway Development Act of 1970 shall be included in the rate basis in establishing fees, rates, and
charges for users of that airport."
To comply with this grant assurance, a review of current airport fees and lease rates should be
performed to ensure that the airport is charging fees consistent with other airports in the area.
Continued periodic review of fees and lease rates should be performed every few years to ensure that
the airport is current with similar charges in the region.
7.5.2.1 Commercial Fees
User and business fees are one of several revenue sources generated directly on through operations
at the Airport. The combined revenue from user and business fees are budgeted to be $7,200 for the
current fiscal year. The airport needs to ensure that new development locations for business are
available at the airport to continue growth in this segment.
7.5.2.2 Ramp (Tie -Down) Fees
A parking fee is charged to aircraft using the main apron for parking. Tie -down fees are not nearly as
significant a revenue source as some of the other fees at the airport. Tie -down fees are budgeted at
$3,500 for the current fiscal year. A review of these fees should be undertaken and increased to the
market average. These increased fees could be used to offset the cost of construction of the expanded
apron project.
7.5.2.3 Hangar Leases
Several of the hangars on airport property are owned and leased by the City of Kalispell. Most of
the hangars owned and leased by the City were acquired during land acquisition in an effort to
eliminate "through the fence" operations. The airport is currently leasing dry hangar space to several
tenants. These hangar leases are budgeted at $12,000 for the current fiscal year. This is another
important revenue source for the airport and it is important that the airport continue to maintain
occupancy of these hangars.
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7.5.2.4 Ground Leases
The airport also receives a significant revenue stream from ground leases. The airport is currently
leasing ground space to private hangar owners and the Hilton Garden Inn for its parking lot. Private
hangar ground leases are budgeted at $15,600; the Hilton ground lease is budgeted at $11,385 for the
current fiscal year. These ground leases combine for a total, budgeted revenue of $26,985. As new
private hangar development increases, this revenue source will continue to grow. It is important that
the airport continue to develop new areas for hangar growth as demand warrants.
7.5.2.5 FBO Lease — Red Eagle Aviation
One of Kalispell City Airport's main revenue sources is the lease to Red eagle Aviation. This lease
includes use of the buildings, the ramp and tie -down areas, and the fueling system. The FBO
Business Lease to Red Eagle Aviation is budgeted to be $17,000 for current fiscal year.
7.5.2.6 Fuel Flowage Royalty
As indicated previously, the Kalispell City Airport receives a royalty of $0.06 per gallon from fuel
flowage at the airport. This revenue source is budgeted to generate approximately $5,500 for the
current fiscal year. The existing fuel system, although owned by the City, is operated by Red Eagle
Aviation under specific terms of their FBO Lease contract. Although the City could, at some future
time, take over the operation of the fuel system to generate more profit from fuel sales, the increased
revenue is not likely to be significant enough to outweigh the oversight and daily operations of the
facility.
7.5.2.7 Interest Income
Interest income is generated from the Airport TIF fund which is budgeted at $16,500 for the current
fiscal year. Interest earned from this fund will vary year to year as projects are developed that use
the funds from TIF.
7.5.2.8 Landing Fees
Landing fees are another minor and inconsistent revenue component occasionally assessed at some
general aviation airports. These fees are rarely charged at non -towered airports due to the difficulty
in monitoring and collecting the fees. Since there is no current program for charging and collecting
landing fees, it will not be planned for in the annual budget. This item may be a potential source of
additional revenue however, and should be explored in greater depth.
7.5.3 Annual Operating Budget
A projected annual operating budget for the next six years has been prepared based on the estimated
operational expenses and revenues described above. Table 7-5 provides a detailed look at the
airports anticipated cash flow during a common year. This budget does not include any expenses or
revenues associated with capital improvements or Federal and State grant revenue streams. Neither
does it include any depreciation expenses of past improvements and infrastructure acquisition; an
accounting requirement for an accrual based accounting system.
The current budget shows that the Airport Enterprise Fund will be operating in with a profit ranging
from $8,780 to $10,400 during this time frame. The Enterprise Fund is intended to cover the general
operating and maintenance expenses associated with operating the airport. This would include
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minor repair and improvement costs to maintain the facility. The Enterprise Fund does not generate
enough revenue to fund the major improvement and land acquisition projects established in the
Capital Improvement Plan. The local match required by the City of Kalispell for these projects
would be funded through TIF funds and the Urban Renewal Bond.
TABLE 7-5
Annual Operating Budget
BudgetYear
112
2013
20141
1•1:2017J
}Zevenues
Commercial Fees
$7,200
$7,500
$7,800
$8,100
$8,400
$8,700
Tie -Down Fees
$3,500
$3,600
$3,700
$3,800
$4,000
$4,200
Hangar Leases
$12,000
$12,500
$13,000
$13,500
$14,000
$14,600
Hangar Ground Leases
$15,600
$16,200
$16,800
$17,500
$18,200
$18,900
FBO Lease - Red Eagle
Aviation
$17,000
$17,700
$18,400
$19,100
$19,900
$20,700
Ground Lease - Hilton
$11,385
$11,800
$12,300
$12,800
$13,300
$13,800
Fuel Flowage Royalty
$5,500
$5,700
$5,900
$6,100
$6,300
$6,600
Investment Earnings
$16,500
$17,200
$17,900
$18,600
$19,300
$20,100
Total Revenue
$88,685
$92,200
$9Si800
$99rSoo
$J 3i400
$, .66o
Salaries & Wages
$44,060
$45,800
$47,600
$49,500
$51,500
$53,600
Utilities
$2,500
$2,600
$2,700
$2,800
$2,900
$3,000
Operations
$8,545
$8,900
$9,300
$9,700
$10,100
$10,500
Repair and Maintenance
$19,800
$20,600
$21,400
$22,300
$23,200
$24,100
Insurance
$5,000
$5,200
$5,400
$5,600
$5,800
$6,000
Total Expenses
$79r9oS
$83izoo
$86400
$89.goo
$93iSoo
$97,200
Operating Budget Surplus
$8i78o
$9�zoo
$9,400
$9,,66o
$91,900
$10i400
One of the early challenges the City will face is how to fund the required land acquisition. Since the
FAA will not reimburse for any costs other than the Environmental Assessment until all the land is
under contract, the City will need a detailed plan on how they will acquire the necessary properties
within the planned time frame. With seventeen different property owners, there will likely be a wide
range of expectations regarding the timing of compensation for land purchases. Ideally,
compensation would be tied to the timing of available grant funding (ie. the contract for the purchase
of the land would include a schedule for payment). However, there may be circumstances through
land acquisition negotiations that require compensation at the time of contract. It will be important
for the City to have a plan for these unforeseen circumstances. In addition, there will be professional
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services fees for land acquisition assistance, attorney fees, appraisal fees, title fees, etc. that will be
needed during the process. Although these are reimbursable costs at the time the land is reimbursed,
payment for these services will be required when the work is performed. As indicated earlier in this
chapter, there may also be some funding challenges for the construction of new FBO facilities on the
west side of the airport. Since the FAA will not be able to fund the specific facilities used
exclusively by the FBO, an alternative funding source such as the TIF may be required. These are
all important considerations that will need future resolution as the City moves into land acquisition
and development.
7.6 Conclusions
The Kalispell City Airport has significant improvement needs in the near, intermediate, and long
term future to improve the existing airport in a manner that will comply with FAA Design Standards
and be eligible for federal funding assistance. Most of these improvements would be eligible for
Federal funding at a 90 percent federal share. With the foresight of the City of Kalispell planners
and policy makers, the funding available through the TIF will provide the local resources needed to
proceed with the acquisition of land and the phased development proposed in the Capital
Improvement Plan.
Proposed development at the Kalispell City Airport is heavily front -loaded over the 20-year planning
period with the majority of the costs coming in the first six years. All of the initial costs for land
acquisition and tower mitigation will likely need to be fronted by the City early in the process. Only
after the tower obstructions are mitigated and all of the required land is under the control of the City
will the FAA offer any grant funding to reimburse these costs. To accomplish these goals, as
proposed in the Capital Improvement Program, an aggressive schedule and effort by both the City
and its consultants will be needed to complete the NEPA process, negotiate the removal of the radio
towers, and acquire all of the necessary land by the spring of 2013.
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