[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 43 (Monday, March 5, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13173-13174]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5299]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Notice of a Non-Aeronautical Land-Use Change Effecting the 
Quitclaim Deed and Federal Grant Assurance Obligations at Blythe 
Airport, Blythe, CA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of a Non-aeronautical land-use change.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to rule and 
invites public comment on the application for a non-aeronautical land-
use change for approximately 829 acres of airport property at Blythe 
Airport, Blythe, California, from the aeronautical use provisions of 
the Quitclaim Deed and Grant Agreement Assurances since the land is not 
needed for aeronautical purposes. The property will be leased for its 
fair market value and the rental proceeds deposited in the airport 
account for airport use. The reuse of the land for a solar farm 
represents a compatible land use that will not interfere with the 
airport or its operation, thereby protecting the interests of civil 
aviation and contributing to the self-sustainability of the airport.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 4, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Comments on the request may be mailed 
or delivered to the FAA at the following address: Tony Garcia, Airports

[[Page 13174]]

Compliance Program Manager, Federal Aviation Administration, Airports 
Division, Federal Register Comment, P.O. Box 92007, Los Angeles, CA 
90009-2007. In addition, one copy of the comment submitted to the FAA 
must be mailed or delivered to Mr. Colby Cataldi, Assistant Director, 
Economic Development Agency/Aviation, 3403 10 Street, Suite 500, 
Riverside, CA 92501.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Wendell H. Ford 
Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21), 
Public Law 10-181 (Apr. 5, 2000; 114 Stat. 61), this notice must be 
published in the Federal Register 30 days before the Secretary may 
waive any condition imposed on a federally obligated airport by surplus 
property conveyance deeds or grant agreements.
    The following is a brief overview of the request:
    Riverside County Economic Development Agency requested a 
modification of the conditions in the Quitclaim Deed and Grant 
Agreement Assurances to permit non-aeronautical use of approximately 
829 acres of land at Blythe Airport. The subject property is located 
northeast of the airfield. The land is presently unused and 
undeveloped. The land will be redeveloped for a solar farm. Riverside 
County Economic Development Agency proposes to lease the property under 
the terms of a long-term lease for a solar farm since the land is not 
needed for aeronautical purposes. Reuse of the land for a solar farm 
will not impede future development of the airport, which has an 
abundance of land. The lease rate will be based on the appraised market 
value and the lease proceeds will be deposited in the airport account 
and used for airport purposes. The use of the property for a solar farm 
represents a compatible use. Construction and operations of the solar 
farm will not interfere with airport operations. The land will become 
revenue-producing property, which will enhance the self-sustainability 
of the airport and, thereby, serve the interests of civil aviation.

    Issued in Hawthorne, California, on February 28, 2012.
Brian Armstrong,
Manager, Safety and Standards Branch, Airports Division, Western-
Pacific Region.
[FR Doc. 2012-5299 Filed 3-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P