[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 181 (Friday, September 18, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49945-49948]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24966]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Notice of Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Approvals and 
Disapprovals

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Monthly Notice of PFC Approvals and Disapprovals. In August 
1998, there were six applications approved. This notice also includes 
information on one application, approved in June 1998, inadvertently 
left off the June 1998 notice. Additionally, 11 approved amendments to 
previously approved applications are listed.

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SUMMARY: The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC 
approvals and disapprovals under the provisions of the Aviation Safety 
and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (Title IX of the Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Pub. L. 101-508) and part 158 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 158). This notice is 
published pursuant to paragraph (d) of Sec. 158.29.

PFC Applications Approved

    Public Agency: City of Elko, Nevada.
    Application Number: 98-01-C-00-EKO.
    Application Type: Impose and use a PFC.
    PFC Level: $3.00.
    Total PFC Revenue in this Decision: $774,635.
    Earliest Charge Effective Date: September 1, 1998.
    Estimated Charge Expiration Date: October 1, 2000.
    Class of Air Carriers not Required to Collect PFC'S: None.
    Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection and Use:
    Aircraft rescue and fire fighting building and vehicle.
    Security/perimeter fencing.
    Master plan and terminal area study.
    Airfield safety improvements.
    Terminal building expansion, phase I.
    North general aviation apron improvements.
    Snow removal equipment.
    PFC application/administration fees.
    Decision Date: June 29, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marlys Vandervelde, San Francisco 
Airports District Office, (650) 876-2806.
    Public Agency: Meridian Airport Authority, Meridian, Mississippi.
    Application Number: 98-05-C-00-MEI.
    Application Type: Impose and use a PFC.
    PFC Level: $3.00.
    Total PFC Revenue Approved in this Decision: $121,650.
    Earliest Charge Effective Date: March 1, 2001.
    Estimated Charge Expiration Date: September 1, 2002.
    Class of Air Carriers Not Required to Collect PFC'S: None.
    Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection and Use:
    Airfield lighting rehabilitation.
    Taxiway A rehabilitation.
    Terminal canopy/rehabilitation design.
    Terminal canopy/rehabilitation.
    Construct equipment building.
    Decision Date: August 5, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Shumate, Jackson Airports 
District Office, (601) 965-4628.
    Public Agency: City of Chicago--Department of Aviation, Chicago 
Illinois.
    Application Number: 98-08-C-00-ORD.
    Application Type: Impose and use a PFC.
    PFC Level: $3.00.
    Total PFC Revenue Approved in this Decision: $546,526,300.
    Earliest Charge Effective Date: November 1, 2011.

[[Page 49946]]

    Estimated Charge Expiration Date: September 1, 2017.
    Class of Air Carriers Not Required to Collect PFC'S: Air taxis.
    Determination: Approved. Based on information contained in the 
public agency's application, the FAA has determined that the proposed 
class accounts for less than 1 percent of the total annual enplanements 
at Chicago O'Hara International Airport (ORD).
    Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection at ORD and 
Use at ORD:
    Interactive computer training system.
    Concourse F extension.
    Terminal 1 airside connection and concession infill.
    Terminal 3 airport transit system (ATS) bridge.
    Explosive blast mitigation--glass coating.
    Terminal 1 elevator expansion.
    Upper level roadway deck rehabilitation.
    ATS vehicles acquisition (three cars).
    ATS remote station escalator.
    ATS MIRA computer replacement.
    Bessie Coleman Drive rehabilitation--phase II.
    Small basin stormwater quality.
    Runway 14R/32L rehabilitation.
    Taxiway T extension rehabilitation.
    Taxiway W rehabilitation.
    Equipment service platforms as heating and refrigeration (H&R) 
plant.
    H&R formulation.
    General aviation apron pavement rehabilitation.
    Military site airside fencing.
    Acquisition of 1998 security and fire equipment.
    Soil erosion and sedimentation control.
    Brief Description of Project Approved for Collection at ORD and Use 
at Chicago Midway Airport: Home soundproofing.
    Brief Description of Projects Approved in Part for Collection at 
ORD and Use at ORD: Concession area public space build out.
    Determination: Partially approved. The FAA has determined that a 
portion of this project is for the benefit of the food court and other 
revenue producing vendors. Therefore, even though the public agency 
identifies these areas as public seating and for public use, the FAA 
has concluded that the seating areas proposed for the E/F apex, H/K 
apex, and Rotunda are not Airport Improvement Program or PFC eligible. 
The FAA has determined that approximately 49 percent of the total area 
(in the E/F apex, H/K apex, and Rotunda) will provide public 
circulation improvements and is eligible. Furthermore, the FAA's 
analysis concluded that the Concourse B food court does not provide 
additional public circulation and is primarily for the benefit of the 
vendor area. Thus, the Concourse B food court is completely ineligible. 
In addition, since the public agency listed the Concourse H and K food 
courts separately from the H/K apex, the FAA assumed those are separate 
areas. However, because the public agency did not provide any plans, 
sketches, or additional information regarding these food courts, the 
FAA was unable to determine if any portion of those areas was eligible. 
Therefore, PFC funds cannot be used to fund any improvements in the H 
and K food courts.
    Security checkpoint equipment.
    Determination: Partially approved. Explosive trace detection (ETD) 
equipment has already been deployed to each checkpoint in sufficient 
number to meet current FAA regulations and operating procedures. 
Therefore, the ETD element of this project is not approved. The 
approved amount represents the total project cost and includes the 
projected cost of acquisition and deployment of ETD equipment. 
Therefore, if the eligible cost of the project, without the ETD 
equipment, is less than the approved amount, the public agency must 
take steps to reduce the approved amount by amendment.
    Airport maintenance complex addition.
    Determination: Partially approved. The eligible cost of utilities 
for the building must be a prorated share of the total cost based on 
the ratio of eligible to ineligible equipment housed in the building. 
The approved amount represents the total project cost however, if a 
portion of the utility cost is determined to be ineligible, the public 
agency must take steps to reduce the approved amount by amendment.
    Landside formulation.
    Determination: Partially approved. Elements not specifically 
identified in the public agency's application Attachment B for this 
project are not included in this approval. Furthermore, to the extent 
that any of the elements listed involve ineligible (off-airport) work, 
the costs of planning, study, assessment, and design attributable to 
the off-airport portion of the project are not PFC eligible and the 
cost for that element must be adjusted or prorated accordingly. The 
approved amount is the total project cost because the public agency did 
not provide cost breakdowns for each component or study element. 
However, the public agency must take appropriate steps to decrease the 
approved amount if the eligible costs are less than the approved 
amount.
    Wetlands relocation.
    Determination: Partially approved. The environmental assessment in 
support of this project included only detailed analysis for filling 6.3 
acres of wetlands in a portion of the runway protection zone and for 
remediating 24.08 acres of wetlands located in the southwest portion of 
the airport by the Post Office. The remaining wetlands have not been 
environmentally evaluated and, thus, the public agency cannot meet the 
requirement of Sec. 158.25(c)(1)(ii)(B) for the remaining wetlands and 
that portion of the project is not approved. In adding, at the time the 
FAA reviewed the PFC application, it was not known what acreage the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would require in the Section 404 
permitting process for the filling of wetlands on the airport. Thus, 
the necessary size of the wetland bank cannot be positively identified 
at this time. The approved amount represents the total amount requested 
and, thus, includes costs for those portions of the project not being 
approved in this decision. The public agency must take steps to adjust 
the approved PFC amount to cover only the cost of those elements 
approved in this decision.
    Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection (at ORD) 
Only:
    Relocated Northwest Tollway connection.
    Blast mitigation--phase II.
    Concourse L extension.
    Balmoral Drive extension.
    I-190 collector/distributor.
    ATS vehicles acquisition (12 cars).
    Bessie Coleman bridge rehabilitation.
    ATS station at rental car campus.
    Lake O'Hare capacity enhancement.
    Snow dump improvements.
    Runway 9L/27R rehabilitation.
    Runway 18/36 rehabilitation.
    Runway 14L/32R rehabilitation.
    Taxiway B rehabilitation at C3/C4.
    Airside perimeter road rehabilitation and new construction.
    National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit compliance.
    Brief Description of Projects Partially Approved for Collection (at 
ORD) only:
    Concourse C upgrade.
    Concourse B upgrade.
    Concourse L upgrade.
    Concourse K upgrade.
    Concourse H upgrade.
    Determination: Partially approved. The FAA has determined that the 
public agency did not provide a sufficient description or justification 
for the majority of the proposed elements in each project to allow a 
determination of nominal eligibility for those elements. The FAA was 
able to conclude that the restroom work, insofar as this work is

[[Page 49947]]

needed to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, is 
eligible. The information provided on the remaining tasks in these 
projects did not allow the FAA to conclude that the remainder of these 
projects involved eligible reconstruction/repair rather than ineligible 
maintenance work. At the time the public agency submits its use 
application(s) for these projects, the public agency must provide 
adequate descriptions and justifications for each component of each of 
the concourse upgrade projects it wishes to finance with PFC revenue.
    The public agency must also provide a cost breakdown for each 
project in the applicable use application that would permit the FAA to 
limit the approved amount to only those elements determined eligible.
    New police facility.
    Determination: Partially approved. The FAA has determined that not 
all activities at the Police Facility support part 107 functions. The 
Federal Security Manager for ORD has determined that approximately 80 
percent of the facility will support part 107 functions. Therefore, the 
approved amount was limited to 80 percent of the total project cost.
    Perimeter intrusion detection system.
    Determination: Partially approved. FAA analysis has concluded that 
a majority of the airport perimeter is currently adequately fenced to 
meet part 107 requirements. Therefore, this PFC approval is limited to 
that portion of the system located between St. John's Cemetery and Post 
One, or approximately 42 percent of the entire perimeter. In addition 
to 42 percent of the cost of the system as proposed by the public 
agency, the approved amount includes funds to cover additional computer 
costs for connecting the modified detection system to a computer 
monitoring station.
    High temperature water piping: Elimination of ball joints.
    Determination: Partially approved. The eligible cost of utilities 
for the airport must be a prorated share of the total project cost 
based on the extent to which the high temperature water piping serves 
both eligible and ineligible buildings and/or spaces. The approved 
amount represents the total amount requested and, thus, includes costs 
for those portions of the project which may be found to be ineligible. 
The public agency must take steps to adjust the approved PFC amount to 
cover only the cost of the eligible share of the project once that 
share has been determined.
    Brief Description of Withdrawn Projects: Chilled water central 
plant/piping network study implementation.
    Determination: This project was withdrawn for the PFC application 
by the public agency by letter dated June 5, 1998. Therefore, the FAA 
will not rule on this project in this decision.
    Replace four 2,000 ton chillers with three 4,000 ton chillers.
    Determination: This project was withdrawn for the PFC application 
by the pubic agency by letter dated June 1, 1998. Therefore, the FAA 
will not rule on this project in this decision.
    Two Explosive Detection System (EDS) units.
    Determination: This project was withdrawn for the PFC application 
by the public agency by letter dated July 17, 1998. Therefore, the FAA 
will not rule on this project in this decision.
    Five EDS units.
    Determination: This project was withdrawn for the PFC application 
by the public agency by letter dated July 17, 1998. Therefore, the FAA 
will not rule on this project in this decision.
    Global Positioning System antenna.
    Determination: This project was withdrawn for the PFC application 
by the public agency by letter dated August 5, 1998. Therefore, the FAA 
will not rule on this project in this decision.
    360 degree tower simulator.
    Determination: This project was withdrawn for the PFC application 
by the public agency by letter dated August 5, 1998. Therefore, the FAA 
will not rule on this project in this decision.
    H&R plant A&B 4160V. switchgear and feeder replacement.
    Determination: This project was withdrawn for the PFC application 
by the public agency by letter dated August 5, 1998. Therefore, the FAA 
will not rule on this project in this decision.
    Decision Date: August 6, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip M. Smithmeyer, Chicago Airports 
District Office, (847) 294-7335.
    Public Agency: City of Phoenix, Arizona.
    Application Number: 98-05-C-00-PHX.
    Application Type: Impose and use a PFC.
    PFC Level: $3.00.
    Total PFC Revenue Approved in This Decision: $193,445,920.
    Earliest Charge Effective Date: November 1, 1998.
    Estimate Charge Expiration Date: April 1, 2002.
    Class of Air Carriers not Required to Collect PFC's: (1) Air taxi/
commercial operators filing FAA Form 1800-31; (2) commuters or small 
certificated air carriers filing Department of Transportation Form 298-
C Schedule T-1 OR E-1 with less than 7,500 enplanements annually at 
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX); and (3) large 
certificated route carriers filing Research and Special Programs 
Administration Form T-100 and providing non-scheduled service with less 
than 7,500 enplanements annually at PHX.
    Determination: Approved. Based on the information submitted in the 
public agency's application, the FAA has determined that each class 
being approved accounts for less than 1 percent of the total annual 
enplanements at PHX.
    Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection and Use:
    New fire station.
    Rebuild north and south runways.
    Terminal 4 expansion.
    Taxiway to south side.
    Reconstruct taxiway C.
    Upgrade fire station 19.
    Replace aviation fire truck.
    Terminal 2 concrete ramp replacement.
    Taxiway T.
    Airfield guidance signs.
    Reconstruct taxiway S.
    Holding apron terminal 4.
    Safety and security improvements.
    Decision Date: August 7, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John P. Milligan, Western Pacific 
Region Airports Division, (310) 725-3621.
    Public Agency: City of North Bend, Oregon.
    Application Number: 98-03-I-00-OTH.
    Application Type: Impose a FPC.
    PCF Level: $3.00.
    Total PCF Revenue Approved in This Decision: $136,800.
    Earliest Charge Effective Date: April 1, 1999.
    Estimated Charge Expiration Date: November 1, 2001.
    Class of Air Carriers not Required to Collect PFC's: Non-scheduled 
air taxi/commercial operators utilizing aircraft having a seating 
capacity of less than 20 passengers.
    Determination: Approved. Based on the information submitted in the 
public's agency's application, the FAA has determined that the class 
being approved accounts for less than 1 percent of the total annual 
enplanements at North Bend Municipal Airport.
    Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection Only:
    East side terminal area site preparation.
    East airport roadway alignment and runway 13/31 safety area.

[[Page 49948]]

    Decision Date: August 21, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Vargas, Seattle Airports District 
Office, (425) 227-2660.
    Public Agency: City of Manchester, New Hampshire.
    Application Number: 98-07-C-00-MHT.
    Application Type: Impose and use a PFC.
    PFC Level: $3.00.
    Total PFC Revenue Approved in This Decision: $84,643,000.
    Earliest Charge Effective Date: October 1, 1998.
    Estimated Charge Expiration Date: October 1, 2016.
    Class of Air Carriers Not Required to Collect PFC'S: Air taxi/
commercial operators.
    Determination: Approved. Based on the information submitted in the 
public agency's application, the FAA has determined that the class 
being approved accounts for less than 1 percent of the total annual 
enplanements at Manchester Airport.
    Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection and Use: 
    Runway 6/24 system.
    Construct two remote aircraft parking aprons.
    Acquire Stead Aviation.
    Decision Date: August 24, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Priscilla Scott, New England Region 
Airports Division, (781) 238-7614.
    Public Agency: Grand Forks Regional Airport Authority, Grand Forks, 
North Dakota.
    Application Number: 98-05-C-00-GFK.
    Application Type: Impose and use a PFC.
    PFC Level: $3.00.
    Total PFC Revenue Approved in This Decision: $1,398,163.
    Earliest Charge Effective Date: September 1, 1998.
    Estimated Charge Expiration Date: September 1, 2004.
    Class of Air Carriers Not Required to Collect PFC'S: Air taxi/
commercial operators filing FAA Form 1800-31.
    Determination: Approved. Based on the information submitted in the 
public agency's application, the FAA has determined that the class 
being approved accounts for less than 1 percent of the total annual 
enplanements at Grand Forks International Airport.
    Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection and Use: Air 
cargo apron expansion and service road.
    Decision Date: August 24, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Irene R. Porter, Bismarck Airports 
District Office, (701) 250-4385.

                                           Amendments to PFC Approvals                                          
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                                                                                          Original     Amended  
                                           Amendment       Original         Amended      estimated    estimated 
        Amendment No. city, state           approved     approved net     approve net      charge       charge  
                                              date       PFC revenue      PFC revenue    expiration   expiration
                                                                                            date         date   
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95-01-C-01-LYH, Lynchburg, VA...........     07/28/98         $752,416        $515,216     12/01/98     07/01/98
97-01-C-01-MOB, Mobile, AL..............     08/14/98        1,300,000       1,300,000     06/01/99     06/01/99
93-01-C-05-MSY, New Orleans, LA.........     08/14/98      185,823,498     194,691,574     08/01/09     11/01/09
93-02-U-01-MSY, New Orleans, LA.........     08/14/98        5,802,615      16,523,148     08/01/09     11/01/09
96-03-C-01-MSY, New Orleans, LA.........     08/14/98       11,963,536      11,963,536     08/01/09     11/01/09
92-01-C-03-DTW, Detroit, MI.............     08/14/98    1,639,576,000   1,802,657,000     10/01/30     10/01/31
97-03-C-01-DTW, Detroit, MI.............     08/14/98       60,000,000      60,000,000     10/01/30     10/01/31
93-01-C-02-GEG, Spokane, WA.............     08/18/98       16,265,100      12,676,598     06/01/05     10/01/07
94-02-C-01-GEG, Spokane, WA.............     08/18/98        8,200,000       4,922,228     06/01/05     10/01/07
97-03-C-01-GEG, Spokane, WA.............     08/18/98       17,606,000      32,029,282     06/01/05     10/01/07
95-03-C-01-MFR, Medford, OR.............     08/27/98        1,810,000       2,082,935     11/01/00     06/01/03
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    Issued in Washington, DC, on September 10, 1998.
Eric Gabler,
Manager, Passenger Facility Charge Branch.
[FR Doc. 98-24966 Filed 9-17-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M