Title
Airports, a division of the Chief Administrative Office, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Airports Director to sign the Incident Support Airport Use Agreement 1202RZ25T0002 with the United States Forest Service (USFS) to accept funds from the USFS for their as-needed use of the Georgetown Airport during emergency events, in an amount not to exceed $250,000 and a term ending December 31, 2029;
2) Approve and authorize the Airports Director to sign the Incident Support Airport Use Agreement 1202RZ25T0003 with USFS to accept funds from the USFS for their as-needed use of the Placerville Airport during emergency events, in an amount not to exceed $250,000 and a term ending December 31, 2029; and
3) Delegate signature authority to the Airports Director to sign any additional United States Forest Service documents associated with these USFS Incident Support Airport Use Agreements for use of the Placerville Airport during the emergency incidents.
FUNDING: Incoming revenue, United States Forest Service (Federal Funds).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The United States Forest Service (USFS) and the State of California, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has used both County Airports for air operations and support for during fire events in the past.
For past incidents, the USFS requested that the County execute its Emergency Facilities & Land Use Agreement (EFLUA) for use of the airports. However, the process to accept the funding was cumbersome due to the absence of a standing agreement between the agencies. The Incident Support Airport Use Agreement will allow County staff to calculate the value of the use of either airport for emergency support and will allow the USFS to reimburse the County for use in a more timely manner.
For each agreement, rates for use areas are included on page four. A map is attached on page 13 to outline specific usage areas of the airports. Usage areas and length of use will depend on the needs for each incident, and the USFS will coordinate with Airport staff for needs as the events unfold as well as accounting after the close of the incident. Staff is requesting authority for the Airport Director to approve any documents related to this agreement immediately following the event in order to allow the USFS to proceed with payment.
The total amount of revenue that the County will receive from the USFS will vary according to use during each incident, not to exceed the contract amount of $250,000 over the period from execution to December 31, 2029.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve the Agreements.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar file 24-1517 - August 20, 2024 - Board authorized Agreements with Cal Fire and the USFS accepting funds for their use of the Placerville Airport during the Crozier Fire.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This item will allow the County to collect payment from the USFS for their airport use during emergency events. Should events occur and this use be needed, this item will increase revenue for the airports, and as a result, may decrease the General Fund contribution.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Jennifer Franich, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer/Airports Director