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Case
Study: Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport
In January 2001, ACSG was retained to assist the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport
(BTR) in the completion of an LOI application, which would meet FAA requirements
and conduct required FAA coordination prior to submission.
The key component to this application was the full depth reconstruction of BTR’s
primary runway. It also included the construction of an Engineered Material Arresting
System (EMAS), which had been recommended by FAA Certification. The airport had
hoped to include an upgrade of the runway to CAT II standards; however, FAA had
taken the position that the upgrade was not justified. Following several meetings
between ACSG and airport management, it was determined that all reference to
the CAT II should be eliminated from the LOI application rather than jeopardize
the entire project funding.
ACSG continued its efforts with FAA Flight Standards personnel in Dallas and
was able to justify and include Touchdown Zone (TDZ) and Runway Centerline Lighting
in the reconstruction project, based upon reductions in takeoff and landing minimums.
ACSG was also able to have the EMAS and in-pavement lighting included as a portion
of the basic runway reconstruction and eliminated BTR’s need to fund a
full BCA.
Based upon the application and justifications submitted, the LOI application
was approved, however, FAA elected to fund the project as a multi-year, phased
project. This eliminated the additional requirements for BTR and FAA to administer
an LOI funded project, and eliminated one year of BTR’s commitment of entitlement
funds. The LOI application process resulted in the FAA’s approval of approximately
$15.5 million in discretionary funds over a 2-3 year period
As a final note, allocation of PFC funds to an LOI project is an important component
of the airport’s financial commitment to the project. In both of the cases
above, the airports had already entered into long term obligations of approved
PFC funds to terminal expansion projects and no PFC’s were available for
the LOI projects.
For additional information on LOIs, please contact our office in the
Chicago area at (800) 253-4464 or email us at information@ACSGinc.com.
09-02
Naperville, IL |
