FAA furlough to delay Fort Smith airport work

story by Aric Mitchell
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One of the burning topics on the collective mind of the Fort Smith Regional Airport Commission at Tuesday’s meeting was the furlough of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

A dispute in Congress has resulted in the expiration of funding for about 4,000 FAA employees and has halted numerous airport construction projects around the nation. Republicans seek to end about $16.5 million in air service subsidies. Democrats object.

The FAA’s Airport and Airways Trust Fund has been a pillar of support to Fort Smith Regional’s ongoing improvement programs. It has been operating under extension now for a number of years. The 21st extension was passed by the House of Representatives late Thursday, but the Senate refused to act, sending about 4,000 FAA employees home.

As a result of the FAA furlough, two local projects under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) will run into funding delays. While the Wildlife Hazard Assessment, which costs the airport a $4,600 payment each month, will continue, the construction of Taxiway A West Phase 1 is “on the desk of someone, who is sitting at home,” Parker said. He added that, at least with Wildlife Hazard Assessment, the airport would be “made whole once the FAA comes back to work.” However, the construction of Taxiway A West Phase 1 may have to wait in spite of the fact that it has already been bid.

“We could have to ask the contractor to hold that one until the FAA goes back to work,” Parker said.

In good news to airport commissioners, Parker reported that Fort Smith Regional is running a net gain of approximately $20,000 on its 2011 budget.

“Our revenue projection was higher for this year than last year by about $77,000, while expenses were around $57,000 higher, mostly due to unexpected chemicals and fuel costs,” Parker said.

Other good news had the state grant application for the West Corporate Taxiway receiving approval from the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics. The state’s contribution will total $337,470.71 with the total project running a cost of $421,838.39.

Commissioners also approved a $250,000 security fence to replace the existing fence that runs along the east and west sides of the terminal building. Executive Director John Parker confirmed that the expense would have to be paid upfront, but that there is a full reimbursement on the back end via the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) program. The project would also extend the PFC program to the end of 2012, after which a new program from 2013-2018 would begin. The new security fence should be installed by the end of 2011.

The PFC charge is levied on every plane passenger’s ticket as a $4.50 fee. Monies collected for the program may only be used for infrastructural improvements.

“The fencing system we will be using consists of concrete panels, eight feet tall, that interlock and are anchored four feet up to five feet deep,” Parker said. “From there, we want to place concrete erosion control material between each post to keep vegetation down.”

Parker said a new fence is needed because of past storm damage of the existing fence and a change in security requirements.

Other business included the introduction of new transportation security manager (TSM) Randy Oates. Oates has 20 years of military experience, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He comes to Fort Smith Regional from Omaha, Neb., where he also served as TSM.

Commissioners also bid farewell to one of their own as Vice Chairman Marcia Melvin was recalled to active military duty with the United States Navy. Replacing her in the role of vice chairman will be Commissioner Scott Archer.

The next meeting of the Fort Smith Regional Airport Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m.