Fourth District Update_Feb 2020

AVIATION

Jacqueline Cochran Airport

 Airport Layout Plan Update with AGIS Survey. Staff met with the FBO tenants for their input on future needs and requirements that should be incorporated. Staff also met with the consultant to discuss incorporating changes that could be accommodated in the new Airport Layout Plan. This project is anticipated to be reviewed by the FAA in February 2020.  A Request for Proposal (RFP) is being advertised to secure an operator for Airline, and Cargo Operations at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, the deadline for this RFP was June 27, 2019. Two responses were received and are being reviewed. Interviews with RFP respondents took place on September 6, 2019. Staff is analyzing and reviewing anticipated impacts and operational framework to ensure the best suited operator is selected.  Detention Basin project update, Mead and Hunt drafted an updated environmental assessment. EDA management met with the Western Pacific Airport District Office Manager, David Cushing on March 22, 2019. In the meeting Mr. Cushing provided a clear path forward and support for the project. Staff submitted to the FAA an amended project description and coordinated with consultants to begin cultural and biological surveys. Staff is awaiting FAA determination for EA.  Customs User Fee Application - Staff submitted an updated business plan to Customs Border Patrol (CBP) in May 2018 in request of a dedicated officer for the Airport. A response was received from CBP in early July 2018, describing the next step in the application process which requires working closely with CBP LAX. Staff contacted CBP LAX and is updating business and operational information requested by CBP. A meeting took place with LAX Port Director and Team on October 5, 2018 to discuss the next steps of the user fee process. CBP LAX indicated that the best path forward to establish a custom officer was to share the existing officer with Palm Springs. Staff has secured several letters of support from airport users for Customs services at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport. EDA management and the Supervisor’s Legislative Assistant, Pat Cooper, conferenced with Port Director on July 16, 2019. Staff received positive feedback from the LAX Port Director who requested additional information on international traffic. Staff has submitted to CBP LAX an updated Business Plan as requested and is awaiting final determination.  U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has a ground lease for Airport property at Blythe Airport. The agreement has been under a month-to-month tenancy since June 30, 2010. Staff reached out to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol contracting officer to request a lease renewal. Staff sent a proposal letter to General Services Administration (GSA) that clearly defined the desirous terms of the ground lease amendment. The proposal letter was presented to Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) on June 29, 2018 for review. On September 25, 2018 staff had a conference call with Tina Davis, the Project Manager from CBP. Ms. Davis indicated that the review boards meeting for September was canceled, and an additional meeting had been scheduled for this year. CBP notified the County on May 23, 2019 that the Rent Control Board had accepted the newly proposed rent increase and additional lease space. Staff received the CBP draft lease on August 28, 2019, and submitted it to County Counsel for review. Staff had a conference call with CBP and their attorney on October 10, 2019 to discuss County Counsel’s revisions to the agreement. CBP’s attorney agreed to revise the agreement with language that is acceptable by both parties. CBP’s environmental group is currently assessing the property in order to address the hazardous material language that the County recommended for the new ground lease agreement.  The preliminary work on the Environmental Assessment (EA) began in May for the Wildlife Exclusion Fencing Project, and Biological work have been completed and submitted to the FAA for review. Staff is awaiting feedback from the FAA to determine if an EA is necessary.

Blythe