Five Year Program Guidelines

This is the new language for the State Transportation Board considers projects proposed for inclusion in the program annually. Each airport sponsor submits these projects in the fall of each year. They are reviewed and given a priority rating based on the STB's Priority Rating System. Also, projects submitted for Federal (FAA) consideration are pare of the process.

Each sponsor submits projects for State and FAA consideration through the ACIP Web site. This new site provides for the documentation and graphic representation of each project. Through this website, projects for FAA consideration are also provided directly to the FAA making the process smooth and simple. A handbook has been prepared that provides details on how to use the website: ACIP Web Interface User Documentation.

Projected public ownership of a facility and availability for public use are both required for programming a project at that facility.

There are two types of projects in the Program:

• Federal/State/Local Funded Projects
• State/Local Funded Projects

There are four categories of projects for each type:

• Projects that are related to Maintenance.
• Projects that are related to Safety and/or Capacity Enhancement.
• Projects that are related to Environmental Studies or Planning
• Land Acquisition

Funds are to be programmed with approximately 80% to commercial service/reliever airports and 20% to other airports.

During each year of the program, funds to match FAA grants are set aside based on the amount of funds the FAA programs for airports in the state. These funds are to be programmed to provide up to 50% of the Local share of all eligible items contained in FAA airport project grants.

The maximum State/Local grant amount for any airport project will not exceed 10% of the net available for construction. The maximum State/Local grant (excluding Maintenance Projects) amount for FY 2003 is $550,000.

The program is developed in a manner to utilize the maximum prudent and practical amount of Federal funds.

The State may fund up to 90% of a primary airport project and 95% of a secondary airport project with no Federal participation.

Consideration is to be given for including research and development projects that have a potential for significant economic and/or technical benefit to Arizona airports and/or airport users.

The program is a facilities capital improvements program that parallels the Federal Airport Improvement Program in terms of eligible grant items with the exception that the State does not fund capital equipment, routine operating maintenance items or revenue producing projects.

The program is based on approved Transportation Board Policies. Where there is a diversion from the approved policy, a new policy issue will be presented to the Board for their consideration and approval.

Sponsors are not to modify the scope of work after a grant has been issued. Any funds remaining after the initial work in the grant has been completed are to be returned to the State Aviation Fund. Grant offers not executed for State/Local projects by October 1 of each year, will be withdrawn and the funds will be made available for other high priority projects.

Funding for airport terminal and utilities projects is subject to a determination of the proportion of revenue generating and public use areas when construction documents are prepared.

Funding for previously purchased airport land is subject to individual review on a case by case basis, but under no circumstances may exceed 12 years.