Passenger Facility Charge Application No. 23‑10‑C‑00‑PVD
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) has determined the need to submit to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) a new application to impose a Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) at Rhode Island T. F. Green Airport (PVD) and use PFC revenue at PVD, Quonset State Airport (OQU), Westerly State Airport (WST), North Central State Airport (SFZ), Newport State Airport (UUU), and Block Island State Airport (BID). RIAC is posting this public notice as part of the application process under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 158, Passenger Facility Charges (PFC’s).
Description of projects and PFC level
- Acquire and Install a Replacement Public Address System at PVD
Project Start Date: January 1, 2021
Project End Date: September 1, 2023
Project Cost: $3,302,728
Impose and Use: $4.50
Funding: $330,273 (10% PFC Pay As You Go [Pay-Go] Funded)
Project Description:
This project includes the design, acquisition, and installation of a replacement terminal building public address (PA) system for PVD. The project will provide installation of head end equipment, approximately 30 microphone stations, and converting the existing analog system to digital components and functionality. The replacement PA system will exclusively serve the public use areas of the PVD terminal building.
Project Justification:
The existing PA system is original to the build out of the terminal in the early 1990s. The equipment has reached the end of its useful life and replacement parts are no longer available. New and expanded PA system equipment will enhance and ensure in-terminal public address capabilities associated with providing public flight information; baggage information; and security, safety life safety, and emergency related announcements. The requirements for such public announcements are found in US Department of Transportation, FAA Order 5100.38D, Change 1, Airport Improvement Program Handbook (AIP Handbook), Appendix L, Safety and Security Equipment Projects, and Appendix N, Terminal Building Projects. This project is eligible in accordance with AIP Handbook, Table N-5, Typical Eligible Areas/Equipment within a Terminal Building, (w).
- Security Camera and Video System Upgrade, Server Replacement, and Assessment – Phase II at PVD
Project Start Date: June 1, 2021
Project End Date: September 1, 2023
Project Cost: $3,630,497
Impose and Use: $4.50
Funding: $326,132 (9% PFC Pay-Go Funded)
Project Description:
This project includes the design, acquisition, and installation of upgrades to the existing Video Surveillance System (VSS) that serves the PVD terminal building. The VSS consists of 700 video cameras, an information storage server, software and storage nodes within the PVD main terminal, concourse, and high traffic areas of the Airport Operations Area. Because the VSS will serve primarily public use areas of the PVD terminal building, this project is 89.8 percent eligible for PFC funding in accordance with FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) eligibility criteria found in the AIP Handbook. The remaining 10.2 percent of the VSS project serves ineligible areas such as RIAC’s police dispatch department; the portions of the project in these ineligible areas would be funded by RIAC.
Project Justification:
Much of the existing VSS is over 20 years old and reaching the end of its useful life. There is also a mix of analog and digital cameras which makes the system difficult to manage and operate. The replacement VSS project will upgrade the system to the latest digital technology, improving security and reliability. This project is eligible in accordance with AIP Handbook, Table L‑2, Safety and Security Equipment Project Requirements, (t).
- Design Realign and Rehabilitate Taxiway C at PVD
Project Start Date: November 1, 2021
Project End Date: July 1, 2024
Project Cost: $1,034,792
Impose and Use: $4.50
Funding: $103,480 (10% PFC Pay-Go Funded)
Project Description:
This project provides design engineering services associated with the development of project plans and specifications for the realignment and rehabilitation of Taxiway C (Taxiway C Realignment and Rehabilitation) at PVD, which will increase the separation distance of Taxiway C from Runway 5‑23 to the Taxiway C1 connector to meet FAA Design Standards. In addition to increasing the runway centerline to taxiway centerline separation distance, the Taxiway C Realignment and Rehabilitation will also modify the taxiway width from the existing 75‑foot width with 15‑foot shoulders to 50‑foot width with 20‑foot shoulders to meet design requirements for Taxiway Design Group 4.
Project Justification:
Taxiway C was last reconstructed in 1979 and the overall Pavement Condition Index is currently 25. The portion of Taxiway C from Runway 5‑23 to approximately 300 feet from the end of Runway 34 is in poor condition and is in need of rehabilitation and realignment to meet FAA Design Standards. Runway 16‑34 is classified as a C‑IV runway and requires a runway centerline to taxiway centerline separation of 400 feet. The current separation from the Taxiway C centerline to the runway centerline is 300 feet. The Taxiway C Realignment and Rehabilitation will shift the portion of Taxiway C between Runway 5‑23 and Taxiway C1 to a 400‑foot separation from the runway centerline. This project is eligible in accordance with AIP Handbook, Paragraph 3‑71, Engineering and Architectural (A/E) Costs, and Table 3‑44, Examples of Engineering and Architectural Costs, (a) and (d).
- Design Aircraft Apron Expansion at BID
Project Start Date: March 1, 2022
Project End Date: August 1, 2024
Project Cost: $198,015
Impose and Use: $4.50
Funding: $19,802 (10% PFC Pay-Go Funded)
Project Description:
This project includes the design of a new 36,600 square foot public use aircraft parking apron at BID. The 36,600 square foot aircraft parking apron will be constructed west of the existing aircraft parking apron and will include 12 additional Aircraft Design Group I tie down locations. The project will include installation of pavement markings, tiedown irons, and apron edge lighting.
Project Justification:
The current aircraft apron cannot accommodate peak day tie‑down needs. This project will provide additional tie‑downs and reduce the need for parking on grass which creates a safety concern. BID’s level parking areas—turf as well as paved areas—are severely strained during the summer peak travel period. In such circumstances, particularly in the turf parking areas, parking clearances between aircraft become difficult to maintain, increasing chances of accidents involving aircraft, individuals or both. The 2005 Master Plan identifies this issue and includes expanded aircraft parking and a new taxilane. This project is eligible in accordance with AIP Handbook, Appendix I, Apron Projects, and Paragraph 3‑71, Engineering and Architectural (A/E) Costs, and Table 3‑44, Examples of Engineering and Architectural Costs, (a) and (d).
- Conduct Environmental Assessments for OQU, WST, SFZ, UUU, BID
Project Start Date: June 1, 2021
Project End Date: August 1, 2022
Project Cost: $278,507
Impose and Use: $4.50
Funding: $27,851 (10% PFC Pay-Go Funded)
Project Description:
This project will assess potential environmental impacts associated with obstruction removal projects at OQU, WST, SFZ, UUU and BID. The scope and deliverables for this project will be in compliance with NEPA and FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures.
Project Justification:
In 2019, RIAC conducted airspace and obstruction evaluations for OQU, WST, SFZ, UUU, and BID. The obstruction analyses were prepared to provide aerial photogrammetric survey data to determine the presence, location, and extent of trees and other natural or man‑made objects obstructing airspace at OQU, WST, SFZ, UUU, and BID. Given the results of these evaluations, it is necessary for RIAC to remove trees and other natural vegetation that was identified as obstructions to airspace at each of these airports. Preparation of an environmental review in accordance with NEPA is required to ensure that the obstruction removal projects at OQU, WST, SFZ, UUU, and BID will not negatively impact the surrounding environment. This project is eligible in accordance with AIP Handbook, Paragraph 3‑72, Environmental Finding Costs.
- Acquire Replacement Sweeper Equipment (Elgin Pelican NP Sweeper) at PVD
Project Start Date: July 1, 2022
Project End Date: December 31, 2023
Project Cost: $239,160
Impose and Use: $4.50
Funding: $239,160 (100% PFC Pay-Go Funded)
Project Description:
This project includes the acquisition of an Elgin Pelican NP Sweeper.
Project Justification:
RIAC historically operates two types of road and pavement sweepers to remove foreign object debris (FOD) from pavement surfaces. Two sweepers are operated to ensure continuity of operations in case of a malfunction of the primary unit. One Pelican style sweeper operated by RIAC staff, purchased in 2001, has reached the end of its useful life and is no longer operable or repairable. The second sweeper operated by RIAC is a vacuum style sweeper, which requires a constant flow of water to operate, limiting use in cold weather. During winter operations, RIAC frequently uses FAA-approved sand on the operational areas of the PVD airfield to increase traction for aircraft and ground service equipment. Once snow and ice conditions have been mitigated, excess sand must be removed as soon as practical. However, there is potential to impact operational readiness during the winter season given that the operable sweeper is unable to operate in cold weather. RIAC purchased a Pelican sweeper provided through the Rhode Island Master Price Agreement and is seeking reimbursement of this acquisition through PFC revenue. This project is eligible in accordance with AIP Handbook, Table L-2, i. Acquire Equipment (Power Vacuum Sweeper for FOD).
- Install Charging Outlets for Terminal Building Public Holdroom Seating at PVD
Project Start Date: April 1, 2022
Project End Date: December 31, 2023
Project Cost: $200,000
Impose and Use: $4.50
Funding: $200,000 (100% PFC Pay-Go Funded)
Project Description:
This project includes the acquisition and installation of charging/power units for each set of bench seats in all PVD terminal building holdrooms, including bracket, power cord, and cable management devices for the units. In total, 360 Arconas In Power Flex units are to be acquired. Each unit would provide two standard electrical outlets and two USB outlets (four outlets in total). This project would provide an outlet for each seat throughout all PVD terminal building holdroom areas.
Project Justification:
Under the seat charging outlets in holdroom seating are increasingly common at primary airports and are available at competing regional airports. The installation of charging outlets would elevate the passenger level of service at PVD’s terminal building holdrooms to a level similar to competing regional airports. This project is eligible in accordance with AIP Handbook, Table N-5 Typical Eligible Areas/Equipment within a Terminal Building, i. Gate holding areas, including fixed public-use seating (including fixed tables and counters) within the holding area.
- PFC Administration and Application Services
Project Start Date: February 23, 2022
Project End Date: June 1, 2023
Project Cost: $45,540
Impose and Use: $4.50
Funding: $45,540 (100% PFC Pay‑Go Funded)
Project Description:
This project includes consulting costs associated with the development and implementation of RIAC’s application to impose and use PFC revenue in accordance with 14 CFR Part 158, Passenger Facility Charges (PFC’s), including gathering the necessary project, financial, and statistical information; preparing the required public notice; preparing the required airline consultation notice; ensuring that all procedural requirements are met for the airline meeting; preparing responses to air carrier comments; preparing the completed application for submittal to the FAA; and preparing the airline notice of FAA approval.
Project Justification:
Retaining a PFC consultant helps ensure PFC applications are filed according to the rules and regulations determined by the FAA. This project is eligible in accordance with AIP Handbook, 14 CFR 158.3, “allowable cost” as explained in that section’s preamble.
Proposed Charge Effective Date, Estimated Charge Expiration Date, and Estimated Total PFC Revenue Pursuant to 14 CFR 158.23(a)(2)
RIAC will seek a PFC with the following characteristics:
Estimated Total PFC Impose and Use Revenue: $1,292,238
Proposed Charge Effective Date: September 1, 2032 or upon expiration of collection of PFC revenue for currently approved PFC applications, whichever comes first. The charge effective date is based on the current legal charge expiration date for RIAC’s PFC program.
Estimated Charge Expiration Date: November 1, 2032, approximately two months after the proposed charge effective date (or until collected PFC revenue plus interest thereon equals the allowable costs of the approved projects, as permitted by regulation).
RIAC Point of Contact
As required under 14 CFR 158.24, RIAC will be accepting public comments on the proposed PFC Application No. 23‑10‑C‑00‑PVD up to 30 days after the date of posting this public notice on the RIAC website.
Comments should be sent to:
Shahzad Sadozai
Assistant Chief Financial Officer
Rhode Island Airport Corporation
2000 Post Road
Warwick, RI 02886
E-mail: [email protected]
