Kalispell City Airport Planning studies (2)
Jane,
I am writing in response to your letter we received April 2, 2010
regarding our support of Planning and Environmental studies for the
Kalispell City Airport.
As discussed in Kalispell, we would support and fund planning efforts
related to the updated planning and environmental work related to
potential improvements at the Kalispell City Airport.
The scope of work could generally include planning efforts to evaluate
development alternatives for the City Airport that meet FAA design
standards under an Airport Master Plan Update. Much of this work was
accomplished under previous planning studies including the approved
Airport Layout Plan (ALP) also funded under the Airport Improvement
Program (AIP). The Master Plan would validate assumptions and
alternatives that were identified during the previous studies along with
any new alternatives that may be introduced, leading to an approved
Airport Layout Plan. The master plan should also include efforts to
plan and educate the community regarding FAA grant assurances and grant
compliance.
It is our expectation that an Environmental Assesment/Update will also
be completed under a separate grant, should the City and FAA support a
acceptable development plan following the Master Plan Update.
A Master Plan Update grant could be funded this fiscal year, provided we
receive a grant preapplication no later than May 15 and that an approved
planning scope of work and contract is completed by June 1, 2010. The
current federal share allowed is 95% of the total eligible project cost.
Please let me know if we need to discuss in the mean time.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Gates, P.E.
Airport Engineer and Planner
FAA, Helena Airports District Office
2725 Skyway Drive, Suite 2
Helena, MT 59602
(406) 449-5230