ALBERT WHITTED BLUE RIBBON ADVISORY TASK FORCE COMMITTEE

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2 Albert Whitted Airport Airport Recommendation Summary Report ALBERT WHITTED BLUE RIBBON ADVISORY TASK FORCE COMMITTEE Mr. Ed Montanari, Chairman Ms. Effie Alexander Mr. Bob Carter Mr. Tony Collins Dr. William Heller Mr. Steven D. Lange, R.A. Mr. Don Morris Ms. Mary Anna Murphy Mr. Karl Nurse Ms. Ruth Varn, Vice Chair Dr. Ernst Vieux Dr. Joseph Vulgamore Mr. Randy Wedding Mr. Randy York Mr. Donald Shea Mr. Mark Stroud Mr. Grady Terrell Mr. Henry Van Kesteren Notes: Nineteen Committee Members appointed by the City Council and Mayor * Voluntarily withdrawn from the Task Force in May Source: Albert Whitted Airport Blue Ribbon Advisory Task Force Committee, August 2004 INTRODUCTION Mr. Jim Martin* On November 3, 2003, the citizens of St. Petersburg voted to keep the Albert Whitted Airport property an operating airport. Thus, on December 4, 2003, City Council approved the formation of the Albert Whitted Airport Blue Ribbon Advisory Task Force Committee (Task Force), which was to be comprised of 19 residents of varying backgrounds from the City of St. Petersburg. The mission of the Task Force is to review the current status of the Airport, consult with citizens, persons with experience in aeronautical matters and such other persons as the Committee deems appropriate so as to make recommendations to the City Council as to how the Airport should be maintained, operated, changed and/or improved. The Albert Whitted Airport has historically provided significant economic and social benefits to the City of St. Petersburg. Based upon an Economic Benefit Analysis prepared in 1999 by The LPA Group Incorporated, the Airport generates an annual economic contribution in 1999 dollars of approximately $27 million. 1 These benefits are expected to increase with the resurgence of St. Petersburg s downtown. Development of this summary report was done in conjunction with concepts and recommendations supplied by the Task Force to provide direction for development of the Airport Master Plan and short and long-term airport re-development. 1 Economic Benefit Analysis, The LPA Group Incorporated, 1999 Page 1

3 TASK FORCE MEMBERS Each member of City Council nominated two (2) persons and the Mayor nominated three (3) persons for a total makeup of nineteen (19) Committee Members. In addition, the Task Force is broken down into four subcommittees in order to provide focus and efficiency to the project. 19 The Task Force consists of 19 members of the community. Committee concentrations include: Airport Design, Financial, Zoning / Environmental and Economic Development. HISTORY The Albert Whitted Airport site was constructed in 1917 as a single landing field from spoilage associated with dredging operations to deepen the Port of St. Petersburg. The original airfield consisted of a narrow 1,800- foot runway oriented in the east-west direction. In 1928 the Airport was renamed after Lt. Albert Whitted, a naval aviator who died in an aircraft accident. Early development of the airfield included lengthening of the east-west runway and construction of two new runways with north-south and northeast-southwest headings. In 1944, the original north-south runway was replaced with a new north-south runway and protective seawall. Since the Airport s original construction in 1917, little change in overall area has taken place. Airport property currently encompasses approximately acres, 110 acres of which is the current airport functional area. The Airport is currently designated as a Reliever Airport for Tampa International Airport. The Airport is currently designated as a general aviation general utility airport, which allows it to accommodate most general aviation aircraft currently in the aviation system. In 1914, Tony Jannus performed the first scheduled flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa, Florida. Circa 1914 Page 2

4 Albert Whitted Airport Airport Recommendation Summary Report AIRPORT INVENTORY Albert Whitted Airport is owned and operated by the City of St. Petersburg. The facility handles approximately 100,000 general aviation aircraft operations annually and is the home base to an estimated 200 aircraft. The airport provides various aviation services including flight training, aircraft charter and rentals, aircraft and helicopter maintenance, aircraft detailing, avionics, pilot supplies, banner towing and sightseeing tours. Existing Airport Property The current airport property contains an estimated 191 acres, including a vast portion of submerged property on the east side. Current non-aviation uses of the airport property include other City owned facilities including the Albert Whitted Waste Water Treatment Plant (Treatment Plant) on the south side of the Airport and a portion of the Bayfront Center Arena and its adjoining parking facilities (Parking Garage, Lot 51, Lot D & E) on the north side. As a result of waterways and encroaching non-aviation development, the Airport is currently land-locked. Airport Condition Due to age and neglect, many of the existing airport facilities are in poor condition. In fact, some of the original structures from the 1920s and 30s still remain as functional buildings today. Adjacent Property Uses Adjacent property development will significantly impact future airport growth. Thus, the ultimate airport plan must not only support the functionality of the airport facility but should also maintain a synergistic and compatible relationship with its neighbors. Port of St. Petersburg The Port is located directly south of the Airport. This City-owned facility supports cruise and larger shipping operations. Although the Port has been under-utilized in recent years, new cruise ship operations could bolster activity. Due to limited space, public parking is the biggest concern and, therefore, will be an issue in ensuring compatibility between the Airport and Port operations. Univ niversity of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) In recent years, USFSP has seen significant growth, which is expected to continue. USFSP, which is located directly west of the Airport, is looking for ways to expand their campus footprint both within their current boundaries and beyond. A concern is that the campus is located under the flight path of the main runway. This constrains vertical development of the campus as well as causes minor aircraft noise from time to time. Like the Port, public parking is also an issue. Bayfront Center Arena/Mahaffey Theater Located to the North of the Airport, the City owned complex and its multiple parking facilities have provided a multi-use entertainment venue for many years. The Bayfront Center Arena demolition is scheduled to commence in Fall 2004 as a result of ever increasing operating costs and market competition. Major renovations to the Mahaffey Theater are planned to begin in early In addition, the Salvador Dali Museum has made a proposal to the City to relocate and build a new museum on the Bayfront site. Since the majority of future airport development is planned to occur on the northwest side of the Airport, a coordinated plan between all facilities will be key to the overall success of the area. Furthermore, a portion of the Bayfront Center Arena and its parking garage, in addition to its southern parking lots, all fall within the Airport boundary. Because of this, the land has additional obligations on it as stipulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Redevelopment of any of the Bayfront parcels will need to be approved by the FAA before construction may begin due to these obligations. Page 3

5 Lot ot 51 5 Located to the north and east of the Airport, this Cityowned parcel is used as a parking lot in support of City facilities. However with the demolition of the Bayfront Center Arena Facilities, the continued need for this parcel to serve as a parking lot is doubtful. Re-development of the lot into a park has gained broad support from multiple political and community organizations within the City. A small portion of this property will still be subject to FAA obligations since the southern edge of this parcel falls within the Airport boundary. Airport Facilities With the exception of some hangar development in the 1990s and a runway lighting upgrade in 2002, there has been little development on the Airport in many years. Although the City began the process of developing a General Aviation Terminal building in the late 1990s, the project was delayed due to environmental clean-up and cost overruns. The majority of on-airport facilities currently exist to support the aviation utility of the Airport. Aircraft storage, such as T-Hangars, Community storage and maintenance hangars are the dominant building structures at the Airport. In addition, some support buildings for airport tenants and Airport Administration exist adjacent to the main hangar structures. The rest of the infrastructure includes a ground system of aircraft runways, taxiways, ramps and perimeter roads. The airport s tower is located on the northeast corner of the airport and the fuel farm is located adjacent to the Treatment Plant. Airfield Runways: The existing airfield configuration at Albert Whitted consists of two active runways, Runway 6-24 (East-West) and Runway (North-South). Runway 6-24 is considered the primary runway since it accommodates approximately 70 percent of the Airport s traffic. Runway 6-24 is 3,677 feet by 75 feet, and Runway measures 2,864 feet by 150 Albert Whitted Waste Water Treatment Plant (Treatment Plant) The Treatment Plant, which is located on the south portion of the Airport, is one of three city-owned wastewater treatment facilities. Past studies have evaluated closing/merging this plant s functions into other existing facilities. However, these studies revealed that the cost associated with such an extensive project is prohibitive. As a result, it is assumed that the plant is fixed by function and, thus, will remain in its current location. Because the plant is located on Airport property, it is subject to the same FAA obligations as the Bayfront and Lot 51 parcels. Runwa unway 6-24 east-west. 3,677 feet Runwa unway north-south. 2,864 feet feet. Both Runway 6 and 24 are presently striped for displaced thresholds of 558 feet and 264 feet, respectively. Both runways are in good condition, but routine maintenance overlays will be needed in the near future. Current runway length limits the size and type of aircraft that can safely operate at the Airport. The runways are adequately marked and lighted to facilitate safe operations during daytime and nighttime operating conditions. Pavement markings on Runway meet the FAA requirements for a non-precision instrument runway. Pavement markings on Runway 6-24 are basic visual. Runway edge lighting in the form of medium intensity runway edge lights (MIRL) exists for both landing areas. Both runways are equipped with pilot controlled lighting for nighttime landings. Page 4

6 Albert Whitted Airport Airport Recommendation Summary Report Safety Areas: FAA standards require that each runway/taxiway have a safety area that surrounds the physical pavement of the runway. The safety area provides a buffer should an aircraft undershoot, overshoot or leave the runway surface in some other fashion that may damage the aircraft. Currently, Runway 6-24 meets FAA standards, but only through the use of displaced thresholds. This limits the runway length available for aircraft departure or arrival. Runway does not meet FAA standards for safety areas. However, the current safety area for this runway has been grandfathered into place. Any future modifications to this runway will require the City to address this issue. Taxiways: Both Runways 6-24 and are served by parallel taxiways and an array of entrance and exit taxiways to facilitate the efficient movement of aircraft on and off the runways. Taxiway A runs parallel to Runway 6-24 along the south to southeastern side of the runway with a taxiway to runway centerline separation of 150 feet. The fulllength parallel taxiway to Runway 18-36, Taxiway B, is located on the western side of the runway. Taxiway B has a 150-foot centerline-to-centerline separation to Runway Taxiway C, the abandoned eastwest runway, provides access to both runways from midfield. Additional taxiways at Albert Whitted include connector taxiways to Runways 6-24 and 18-36, and various access taxiways that provide points of ingress and egress to the apron area. All taxiways vary in width from 40 to 100 feet. Aircraft Storage The Airport is at 100 percent occupancy and currently has a waiting list for approximately 70 people for additional hangar space. General Aviation Facilities Facilities available to the general aviation patrons are located on the southern side of the Airport, west of Taxiway B and south of Taxiway C. The facilities available to based and transient users include a mix of storage hangars, apron tie-down spaces, terminal facilities, fueling services, automobile parking areas and other aircraft maintenance related services. A current inventory of hangar space at the Airport includes: 7 Community Hangars 88 T-Hangars 9 Shade Hangars 92 Tie-downs 3 Helipads The Airport is at 100 percent occupancy and currently has a waiting list for approximately 70 people for additional hangar space. Due to age and neglect, many of the existing airport facilities are in poor condition. In fact, some of the original structures from the 1920s and 30s still remain as functional buildings today. Table 1 on the following page, Existing General Aviation Facilities, outlines existing facilities at the Airport. Page 5

7 Table 1 - Existing General Aviation Facilities FACILITY NUMBER ESTIMATED AREA T-Hangars 88 Storage Units 123,200 SF Multi-Use Hangars 5 Hangars 18,900 SF - Hangar 3 (3 units total) 9,000 SF - Hangar 4 7,000 SF - Blue Hangar 2,900 SF Port-a-Ports / Shade Hangars 9 Storage Units 10,800 SF Conventional Hangars 2 35,000 SF - Hangar 1 19,000 SF - Hangar 2 16,000 SF Apron Space: 17,000 SY - Tie-Downs 92 Tie-Downs - Helipads 3 Helipads Terminal/Administrative Offices - Administration/Operations 1,600 SF - Concessions/Vending 300 SF - Weather Center/Flight Briefing/Classrooms 1,000 SF - Lobby/Waiting Area/Pilot s Lounge 1,200 SF Total Terminal/Administrative Offices 4,100 SF Note: 1. SF is the abbreviation for Square Feet 2. SY is the abbreviation for Square Yards Source: The LPA Group Incorporated, 2004 On-Airport Access and Parking Access: 8 th Avenue SE (also known as National Airlines Avenue), a two-lane secondary arterial roadway which runs along the southern boundary of the Airport property, provides terminal area access to Hangar No. 1, the general aviation Fixed Based Operator (FBO) facilities and associated parking, to aircraft maintenance Hangar No. 2, and other general aviation facilities. 8 th Avenue SE terminates at the U.S. Coast Guard Facilities. In addition, a restricted service road leading from 1 st Street North and 5 th Avenue South serves the peripheral facilities located on the northern perimeter Table 2 - General Aviation Terminal Area Parking Facilities PARKING AREA NUMBER OF SPACES AREA (SY) Lot 1 (Hangar 1) 60 2,000 Lot 2 (Hangar 2) Lot 3 (Hangar 3) Lot 4 (T-Hangars) 72 2,100 Total 178 5,500 Source: The LPA Group Incorporated, 2004 of the Airport, such as Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS). Parking Facilities: Currently, there are four paved parking facilities available for general aviation patrons and Airport/ FBO employees. Parking associated with the general aviation terminal/fbo building is provided adjacent to the public access road. Table 2, General Aviation Terminal Area Parking Facilities, provides a breakdown of existing automobile parking facilities at the Airport. Page 6

8 Albert Whitted Airport Airport Recommendation Summary Report Other Facilities Fuel Storage: Existing fuel storage at the Airport consists of three 10,000 gallon, above ground storage tanks. Storage is available for 10,000 gallons of Jet A and 20,000 gallons of AVGAS. The FBO currently leases the fuel storage facilities. Air Traffic Control Tower: Originally commissioned in 1965, the ATCT is owned by the FAA and operated through the FAA s contract tower program. The structure is in a state of deterioration due to age and has received minimal upgrades throughout the budget years. FAA estimates that a replacement tower would not be built prior to 2010 at the earliest. It is questionable whether funds will be available in 2010 due to the limited FAA budget and low priority of this project in the system. The control tower is open from 7:00 am until 9:00 pm 7 days per week. Other: Other aviation businesses and organizations currently located at the airport include: Bay Air Flying Service, Bay Air Maintenance, West Florida Helicopters, Skyway Aircraft, Bay Air Charter, Advertising Air Force, Lou Air, VK Aircraft Leasing, EAA Chapter 47, Florida Highway Patrol, Bay Flite, local news station s flight operations, Albert Whitted Airport Preservation Society, Biplane Rides and the Civil Air Patrol. Albert Whitted Airport shall be fully equipped to serve the community and beyond, boost the local economy, inspire aviators, young and old, while enhancing its unique place in aviation history. Biplane Rides over St. Petersburg Recommendations Alist of recommendations provided by the Task Force is outlined within this document. Recommendations were delineated into the sub-categories of Airport, Miscellaneous Improvements, North Property, Public Accessibility, Finance, Airport Policies, and Studies/Surveys, which will provide direction for further development at the Airport. Furthermore, these recommendations are presented in no particular order and each will be equally considered as part of the Airport s development. Page 7

9 AIRPORT Terminal Building: 1. The Task Force recommends the City build an Intermodal General Aviation Terminal of approximately 10,000 sq./ft. in the northwest corner of the airport with 14,000 sq./yd. of ramp space adjacent to the terminal for aircraft parking. The terminal should be constructed in a way that it could be easily expanded at a later date. It should include, but not be limited to, the following amenities: Runways Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and City Airport Manager offices Pilot Lounge FBO Line personnel work area Restaurant with consideration of a high-end joint-use restaurant facility with Dali and USFSP Conference room available to the public on a rental basis Business Service Center incorporated into a coffee shop environment which would be used by the public, USFSP students and pilots (separate from restaurant, longer hours) Observation Deck(s) Building shall be functionally connected to the fine and performing arts facilities at Bayfront Center and be constructed of materials similar in quality. Public Art inside or outside terminal to be at the discretion of the Public Arts Commission Gallery space for changing aircraft-themed exhibits (2D or 3D) Voting precinct designation Rental Car Agency Educational Center Historic Aviation Exhibits with possible inclusion of aviation materials from other museums. Page 8 2. Albert Whitted Airport should retain its present two-runway configuration, with current length(s) or longer. The airport should be fully compatible with the planned Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS). The portion of the Airport Master Plan update relating to Runway 6/24 should take into consideration SATS as it pertains to corporate/air taxi operations, safety area standardization, noise relief, north/south non-movement areas, and compatibility with future USFSP expansion. Runway 18/36 safety areas should be brought into compliance with current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. SATS... a new era in personal transportation

10 Albert Whitted Airport Airport Recommendation Summary Report Hangars 3. Multiple-aircraft storage hangars should be built in proximity to the new terminal. In order to help the Airport to be more selfsufficient, the maximum number of T hangars and Hangar 1 corporate hangars that can be accommodated should be built as soon as possible. Number of hangars built and construction commencement should coincide with market demand. 4. The Task Force recommends that any hangars intended to be placed on or near any public roadway be positioned such that the hangar doors face inward into the Airport and be designed with conventional construction materials and the portion of the hangar facility, which faces the public roadway, be designed as retail, office, or other similar space, which is allowed by the IG zoning designation. 5. The Task Force recommends that applications be prepared and submitted such that Hangar #1 and the attached office side wings can be designated as a nationally registered historic building, and possible use as a museum and/or educational center. Control Tower Aging Control Tower 6. A new Air Traffic Control Tower must be built. MISCELLANEOUS IMPROVEMENTS 7. The seawall around the Airport needs to be repaired. 8. Incorporate new design to the parking lot in southwest corner of airfield as expeditiously as possible. 9. Build a perimeter road along the western boundary of the Airport to connect the north side to the south side. Seawall in disrepair 10. In the Master Plan process, recommend planners designate a location for a self-contained, self-service fuel facility, in the event market conditions are favorable. Page 9

11 NORTH PROPERTY Dali Museum 11. Endorse the development of a new Dali Museum building on a portion of the Bayfront Center site. Airport Property Line 12. The Task Force recommends that the City re-designate the north Airport Layout Plan property line to a functional boundary as needed for future Airport development. City should provide funding for future Airport improvements in an amount equal to the fair market value of excess property beyond the functional Airport boundary, in accordance with FAA standards, with funds to be used to match Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) grants for future Airport capital projects. Joint-use Parking Park 13. The Task Force recommends that the new Airport buildings built along the northern airport property line share the Bayfront Center parking lots and the existing parking structure with the Mahaffey Theater and Dali Museum. A third level to the existing two-level Bayfront Center parking garage should be considered when additional parking is necessary. 14. That a park to be named Albert Whitted Park be created on the northside waterfront of the Airport in Lot 51. The proposed park should be of adequate size to accommodate the needs of citizens and should not infringe on the aviation requirements of the Airport. The City should consider expanding the park by using dredge and fill material to relocate the seawall further north. The park could include, for example, the following features: aviationthemed playground equipment, Veteran s Memorial Display, bike/jogging paths, outdoor concert facilities, a dog park, multi-purpose sports field, and temporary boat dockage. Bayfront Center / Mahaffey Theater Complex Page 10

12 Albert Whitted Airport Airport Recommendation Summary Report PUBLIC ACCESSIBILITY Public Transportation 15. As the City develops the Airport, further consideration should be given to improving public accessibility. The City should pursue, in conjunction with PSTA, the expansion of the downtown Looper Service to the Airport/Port area. Street Access 16. The Task Force recommends that the Airport Master Plan consider narrowing and/or closing the road east of the Bayfront Center and south of the Bayfront Center to create additional land for the Airport and greenspace for the waterfront park. That 1 st Street S. should be changed to a two-way roadway, thus allowing improved access from downtown to the new Airport improvements. The Task Force recommends that the two roads surrounding Albert Whitted Airport be renamed and identified with appropriate honorary signage as follows: 1 st Street South and Benoist Boulevard The entrance leading into the parking lot and main entrance into the new terminal building be called: Albert Whitted Way St. Petersburg... rich in aviation history Page 11

13 FINANCE Funding 17. The Task Force recommends that the Mayor and City Council exert all efforts as expeditiously as possible to locate, apply for, and secure all possible grants, low interest loans, matching funds, etc., to assist in the funding of the improvements to Albert Whitted Airport. Capital improvement funding sources should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: Federal Funding FAA (AIP and F&E grants) Vision 100 Line item appropriation for a new control tower (FAA/ Congressional) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for seawall/shoreline work (runway improvements) State Funding Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) (Planning, improvements, economic development) FDOT Intermodal Grants DEP - Possibly for park enhancements/bike Trails Local/Sponsor (City) Bonds (general obligation/revenue) Cash from sale of Airport land (ALP re-allocation) Sales tax Ad valorem tax (increase in millage rate designated to airport) Private Possibly for hangar construction in the event lease terms are of a sufficient length. This type of funding should be a back-up to grants. Page 12

14 Albert Whitted Airport Airport Recommendation Summary Report AIRPORT POLICIES Leases 18. Recommend that City Council place a referendum question on the November ballot increasing the maximum lease term at Albert Whitted Airport under the City Charter from 10 to 25 years. 19. Priority should be given to aviation-related businesses except when nonaviation related uses are compatible with the approved Airport Master Plan. Building Criteria 20. The Task Force recommends that the City encourage all future Airport designers, architects, engineers, planners, City staff, etc., to redevelop the Airport to its highest and best use for aviation; to determine the actual maximum, buildable areas on Airport property, to include maximizing potential building heights, maximizing Floor Area Ratios (FAR); and using fire walls to create single, connected buildings without expanses of land in between buildings. Any new building development should be designed in such a way to give an overall and consistent appearance to all airport improvements. The Airport shall be designed to be highly efficient with the use of every square foot of land. Burrowing owls at Albert Whitted 21. The Task Force recommends that all required retention/detention facilities be located outside of any delineated buildable areas, transient airplane parking areas, and burrowing owl habitat. Timing 22. The Task Force recommends any and all studies be performed as soon as possible, including, but not limited to, dredge and fill for runway improvements into Tampa Bay, general aviation needs, FAA runway safety requirements, proposed parkland along the south yacht basin, etc. And that this include all permitting agencies of local, state, and federal departments, and that all costs, time lines, mitigation requirements, and the like, be determined as soon as possible, and published to the community at large. 23. The Task Force recommends that the Mayor and City Council exert all possible efforts to redevelop, remodel, where appropriate, and/or improve Albert Whitted Airport with all possible haste. Those recommendations, which can be performed simultaneously, be done simultaneously in order to save time. Page 13

15 24. The Task Force recommends that the Mayor and City Council send out a published schedule of dates and deadlines for the completion of specific phases of redevelopment at Albert Whitted Airport (i.e. consideration of any studies, study of runway improvements, mitigation, permitting, master planning, and architectural/engineering drawing times). Management 25. The Task Force recommends that the City consider managing the Airport facilities to encourage use of the facility in keeping with the concept that Albert Whitted Airport is a facility supporting aviation and local participation in aviation. 26. The Task Force recommends that the City conduct a thorough third party rental analysis to set rental rates for hangars and other Airport facilities to reflect fair market rents for Albert Whitted Airport. Advisory Committee 27. The Task Force recommends that the Mayor and City Council establish an ongoing Airport Committee to give advice and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council. The members for this ongoing committee should be chosen from the Albert Whitted Airport Advisory Committee, Albert Whitted Airport Preservation Society, Albert Whitted Airport Blue Ribbon Task Force Committee, and members from the public. The membership of this committee should not exceed seven. 28. The Task Force recommends that members of the Design Committee serve on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the Airport Master Plan Update. Grand Prix 29. The Task Force recommends that all consideration be given to incorporating the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg into any future design(s) of Albert Whitted Airport. The Airport Master Planner should consider designing the Airport Master Plan in conjunction with Grand Prix of St. Petersburg organizers in order to get the raceway and raceway support facilities correct. Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Dredge/Fill 30. The Task Force recommends that the City notify the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and any other affected agencies, of the City s potential need for fill material for a potential improvement of Runways 6/24 and 18/ 36. Any dredge fill (potentially coming from channel dredging in Tampa Bay) relocated for City use at and for the Airport shall be part of any mitigation negotiations with local, state and federal agencies. Page 14

16 Albert Whitted Airport Airport Recommendation Summary Report Business/Marketing Plans 31. The Task Force recommends that the City develop a Comprehensive Business Plan for the Airport in conjunction with the Master Plan Update. 32. The Task Force recommends the City develop a Comprehensive Marketing Plan for the Airport. Consideration should be given to coordinating marketing plans for the Airport with other city facilities, including the Dali Museum, The Pier, and Tropicana Field. STUDIES/SURVEYS Land Survey 33. The Task Force recommends that the City perform a full and complete land survey of all Airport property, including but not limited to, surrounding roads, utilities, on-site buildings, FEMA requirements, structures, fueling facilities and the like, landscaping, easements, as well as surrounding zonings, land use designations, and actual land uses by individual buildings. Circa 1914 Environmental Audit 34. The Task Force recommends that the City perform an environmental audit for all proposed building sites to determine the extent, if any, of any site contamination. The study should include expert cost estimates to remediate all found contamination. Utility Study Circa The Task Force recommends that a complete study be performed on all underground and overhead utilities at Albert Whitted Airport to segregate which utilities can be repositioned or eliminated from those utilities which can not be reasonably modified and, therefore, remain as is. Further, the Task Force recommends that the associated easements attached to such utilities be studied to determine which, if any, can be reduced in size in order to facilitate building and site development. 36. The City should prepare a Master Plan for the entire area to include Airport, Bayfront Center/Dali Museum, Lot 51 Park, Progress Energy Park, USFSP, FMRI, Port and Coast Guard Facilities. Page 15

17 Phasing and Preliminary Cost Estimates Based upon the recommendations made by the Task Force associated with improvements to Albert Whitted Airport, the Consultant developed a preliminary phasing and cost estimate. This information will be used to guide future airport improvement development as discussed in the Master Plan Update. Recommended changes include improvements in airfield and aircraft activity, environmental issues, airport policy and operational efficiency. Historically, funding of major projects at the airport has been through Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Trust Fund monies and state and local funding. Federal airport development funds are generated through aviation user fees. In cases where federal grant monies and local funds are insufficient to adequately cover a project or group of projects, other funding sources, either via government or private, need to be pursued or the project may be deferred until adequate funding can be obtained. Based upon the recommendations and improvements presented by the Task Force Panel, the following preliminary phasing, cost estimate and funding analysis were developed. Recommended Development: Proposed development at the Airport was broken down into short-term (present to 2010), mid-term ( ) and long-term ( ) development. It is important to note that some development (i.e. environmental assessments) will drive the phasing of a particular project. Based upon the recommendations of the Task Force, the following development phasing was developed. Short Term Mid Term Long Term Page 16

18 Albert Whitted Airport Airport Recommendation Summary Report Cost Estimates (2004 dollars) Airport Development Recommendations RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENT ESTIMATED COST POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES Federal State Local Private PHASING AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS: Construct Intermodal General $3.0 to $3.3 million X X Short-Term Aviation Terminal* FBO/Midsize Hangars $1.2 to $1.5 million X X X Short-Term 14,000 SY Ramp $611,000 to $700,000 X X X Short-Term Construct New Air Traffic Control Tower $1.5 to $2 million X X Short-Term Construct Internal Circulation Road $150,000 to $250,000 X X X Short-Term (Phase I) Repair Seawall $2.5 million X X X Short-Term STUDIES / SURVEYS: Perform Land Survey $60,000 to $100,000 X X X Short-Term Perform Environmental Audit $100,000 to $200,000 X X X Short-Term Perform Study of all underground $100,000 to $150,000 X X X Short-Term and overhead utilities Dredge and Fill Runway $400,000 to $450,000 X X X Short-Term Improvement Study General Aviation Need Study $60,000 to $100,000 X X X Short-Term FAA Runway Safety Requirements Study $60,000 to $100,000 X X X Short-Term Conduct third-party rental analysis study $40,000 to $60,000 X Short-Term Comprehensive Airport Marketing Plan $40,000 to $60,000 X X Short-Term AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS: Construct Aircraft Storage Hangars Mid-Term Construct 50 T-Hangars $1.5 to $1.7 million X X Mid-Term Construct 3 Conventional Hangars $1.8 to $2.2 million X X X Mid-Term Construct 4 Corporate Hangars $1.6 to $2 million X X X Mid-Term Standardize Runway Safety Areas $3 to $4 million X X X Mid-Term Design and Construct self-contained, $1 to $1.4 million X X Mid-Term self-service fuel facility Note: * General Aviation Intermodal Terminal Facility includes new 10,000 SF terminal building, site preparation, drainage, automobile parking, and landscaping. Source: Albert Whitted Airport Master Plan, The LPA Group Incorporated, 2004 Based upon the Task Force Recommendations, the estimated total cost of the suggested improvements over the 20-year planning period is estimated to range from $18,710,000 to $22,770,000, with the estimated local share, approximately 10%, being $1,871,000 to $2,277,000. Since Albert Whitted can only expect to receive discretionary funds from the FAA, federal funds will only encompass 90 percent of total eligible costs. Thus, the remaining 10 percent represents the local matching share, of which, the state could contribute up to 50 percent. This, however, is dependent upon the project and federal and state funding available. These improvements and associated cost estimates will be evaluated and clarified in the Master Plan Update. Page 17

19 Summary The recommendations of the Task Force attempt to provide direction to both current issues that need to be addressed today and at the same time address future needs of the facility. The key provisions of the recommendations include: Safety The Airport needs to be safe and reliable. Improve Public Accessibility The Airport must benefit a broad segment of the population of St. Petersburg. Reasonable Improvements Task Force recommendations are modest and affordable. They are in line with what the public wants to see done with the Airport. Remember the Past, Provide a Vision for the Future The history associated with Albert Whitted needs to be honored, but the main focus is to the future so that the Airport is compatible with both the current and future needs of aviation. Timeliness Improvements to the airport need to be implemented in a timely manner. A sustained effort needs to be made to accomplish many of the recommendations in the next five years. Development of the Airport needs to be done in conjunction with other downtown growth and planning including the Port of St. Petersburg, USFSP, and Bayfront Center Arena. Cultural development such as the relocation of the Dali Museum, and enhancements to the Mahaffey Theater along with special events such as the St. Pete Grand Prix need to be thoughtfully considered as improvements to the Airport are made. As part of this continued development, it is vitally important that an ongoing committee be formed to insure continuity of the Task Force. This Committee will also insure that improvements to Albert Whitted be accomplished in a timely manner and will help guide and coordinate development of the Airport with the other facilities to create a synergistic community for the immediate area. Conceptual Layout Based upon the recommendations of the Task Force as well as development discussed in the previous Master Plan Update, a conceptual layout was developed to provide direction for potential development on and around the Airport. This proposed development will be evaluated in more detail in the 2004 Airport Master Plan Update, and further analysis as to potential phasing and cost estimates will be performed. Page 18

20 Runway 18 Improvements Jetty 1ST STREET - BENOIST BOULEVARD South Yacht Basin HO YS BA New Control Tower RE IVE DR Tampa Bay urse ix Co rk t Pa n o r P AM erf t Wa Potential Joint-Use Parking Seawall Replacement / Repair R RE U FUT E N ILA TAX 6 AY NW ,6 5 X7 RU YA IWA TAX Proposed T-Hangars TAXIWAY C Existing T-Hangars Proposed Retail Areas Property Line Retention / Detention Area Existing T-Hangars RUNWAY ,864 X 150 Proposed Hangars TAXIWAY B BAYSHORE DRIVE Proposed Corporate Hangars Proposed Perimeter Road Possible Runway Improvements d Pr Gran Proposed Access Road and Parking Proposed Intermodal Terminal Possible Waterfront Park Expansion Bayshore Blvd. Modifications Treatment Plant Hangar 1 University of South Florida St. Petersburg 8TH AVE. - NATIONAL AIRLINES BLVD. Redesign Airport Parking Maintenance / Aviation Business Hangars Proposed T-Hangars US Coast Guard Facilities Port of St. Petersburg Marine Institute Page 19

21 Albert Whitted Airport Airport Recommendation Summary Report Appendix A List of Commonly Used Acronyms AIP ALP DEP F & E Grants FAA FAR FBO FDOT FEMA FMRI IG Zoning PSTA SATS TAC USFSP Vision 100 Airport Improvement Program Airport Layout Plan Department of Environmental Protection Facilities and Equipment Grants Federal Aviation Administration Floor Area Ratios Fixed Base Operator Florida Department of Transportation Federal Emergency Management Agency Florida Marine Research Institute General Industrial Zoning Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority Small Airport Transportation System Technical Advisory Committee University of South Florida St. Petersburg Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act Development Grants Page 20 19

22 Prepared for The City of St. Petersburg by: