AIRPORT/CITIZEN FAQ This list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with responses are provided to share information related to airport topics with the Citizens of Georgetown. The questions / responses cover topics ranging from Planned Airport Improvement Projects; Project Environmental Reviews; Future Plans for the Airport; Airport Operational Requirements; and the Economic Impact/Financial Health of the Airport. Why are the underground fuel tanks being removed and replaced with above ground tanks? The existing Fuel Farm includes a 10,000 gallon Avgas and 12,000 gallon Jet A underground storage tanks approximately 25 years old. Underground tanks are systematically being removed at airports all over the Country. Considering the Georgetown Municipal Airport is located over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, removing underground storage facilities is an additional environmental benefit. The new above ground fuel tanks are sized to 15,000 gallons for Avgas and 20,000 gallons for Jet A according to the design guidelines for our existing traffic and operations at the Airport. The tank size also allows the City to benefit from the purchase of bulk fuel without paying multiple delivery fees for smaller loads. Currently the existing underground tanks meet the rules and standards of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), however, they are near the end of their expected life cycle. The airport has never been fined for any fuel spills or tank leakage. As with all underground fuel tanks, tank leakage is constantly monitored to watch for any possible indication of potential ground water contamination. The City did receive notice of violations on or about December 20, 2003. Five violations were noted. Violations were related to inspecting components, inventory control, renewal of Delivery Certificate, posting of Delivery Certificate and release detection for piping. All violations were corrected within one week of inspection. The most recent 18 February 2014 inspection indicated no violations are present. How do the proposed taxiway improvements, pavement management system and new lighting systems affect the Georgetown Municipal Airport? The new lighting systems, proposed taxiway improvements and pavement management program are bringing the Georgetown Municipal Airport in-line with the most current standards for General Aviation Reliever Airports. These improvements are designed for the safety and basic operations of existing aircraft at the airport.
Do all Airport Improvement Projects require completion of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)? Not for all projects. Per guidelines from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) are only required for certain categories of airport improvement projects. Projects subject to an EIS would include Airport Location, Runway Location, or Major Runway Extension. Additional information may be located in FAA Order 1050.1F. Has the Georgetown Municipal Airport complied with EPA rules and regulations regarding environmental review and public notice? The FAA recently confirmed all maintenance and development activities involving Federal and State supported grant funding have been completed according to regulatory requirements. Please read the attached communication addressing the issue: FAA Response to Hotline Complaint. Can the Georgetown Municipal Airport be closed or relocated? Under agreements between the City of Georgetown and both State and Federal Agencies, the City of Georgetown agreed to operate an airport at the current site of the Georgetown Municipal Airport. These agreements range in dates from the 1940 s to present. Like Interstate 35, the Airport is part of the national transportation infrastructure funded with federal money for the purpose of general public use. Relocating the airport from its current location would require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and the State of Texas. Stipulations for relocating could involve reimbursements for more than $18.5 million in grant funds provided for airport improvements; buying out existing tenant leases; and bearing total cost of new airport, infrastructure improvements such as water, sewer, electrical service; and public roadways to support new location. 2002 Airport Closure Study Any plans to add commercial passenger service or large airplane cargo operators such as FedEx or UPS to the airport? No, Georgetown Municipal Airport is a General Aviation Reliever Airport. Adding passenger service or large cargo operators to the airport it not planned at either the City or TxDOT levels.
Does the city have any plans to extend the runway length at Georgetown Municipal Airport? No, there are no plans at either the City or TxDOT Aviation level for any runway extension projects. A 1996 City Council Resolution 960123-JJ reaffirmed this. Why has the land been purchased at the ends of Runway 11/29? At the end of each runway is a Runway Protection Zone otherwise referred to as a Clear Zone. Clear Zones must be free of obstructions and are established to improve visibility for airplanes taking off and landing. They also provide protection for anything on the ground during these type maneuvers. Recent land purchases were mandated by guidelines published in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13 Airport Design requiring airport sponsors (City of Georgetown) that they must own the land in the Clear Zones. Are there any plans to purchase through fee or easement any homes within the vicinity of the airport? No plans exist at either the City or TxDOT level to purchase homes or other residential property near the airport. Why is the Georgetown Airport Master Plan being updated? While most Airport Master Plans typically cover a 20 year life span, the current 2005 Airport Master plan is scheduled to be updated in calendar year 2016. Consultant selection will commence late summer of 2016 with publication of an updated plan estimated for summer of 2018. Public participation in the update process will be key to adopt an effective Master Plan. Master Plans help provide guidance and direction for future planning of airport improvements to meet the desired goals of the community. Are public use airports allowed to limit airport hours of operations, the number of takeoffs, landings or number of based airplanes at their airports? No. These type restrictions violate the FAA Grant Assurance Provisions on use and access to public use airports which are part of the National Airport System. FAA Grant Assurances are obligations an airport owner must agree to for acceptance of federal grant funds. Airplanes using an airport can be limited based on the airplane operational requirements such as runway length and elevation of airport. Each airplane operator is responsible to ensure they can safely operate at an airport.
How has the opening of the Control Tower affected flight patterns and traffic at Georgetown Municipal Airport? Since opening of the Control Tower in 2007, air traffic controllers now manage the flow of airplane traffic both in and out of the Georgetown Municipal Airport. This has resulted in safety improvements of flight operations over the previous uncontrolled operations at the airport. Air traffic control follows strict safety criteria, guidelines and manages air traffic in a 5 mile radius of the airport. The Control Tower is open 7 days per week from 7 AM to 10 PM. Due to sporadic night time airport use, from 10 PM to 7 AM the airport reverts to an uncontrolled air space. What programs are in place related to Airport Noise issues? A 2002 Airport Noise Compatibility Study provided recommendations related to airport flight patterns and ground maintenance operations. The study examined the voluntary Fly Friendly program with recommendations for pilots utilizing the airport. With the 2007 activation of the Control Tower, traffic patterns now follow airport traffic control guidelines. Airport Management has identified two locations for use for ground maintenance high power engine testing. These locations were selected to minimize noise issues from engine run operations. What economic benefit does the airport provide to the City of Georgetown? The Georgetown Municipal Airport generates economic activity through capital and operations expenditures, business activities of airport tenants, and spending by visitors using airport facilities. The Airport provides an economic benefit to the local economy through employment of over 200 personnel at various businesses on the airport. A 2011 Texas Department of Transportation Economic Impacts Report concluded the airport has an Annual economic impact to the City of Georgetown local economy of over $23million dollars. Please read the attached report Economic Impact Report.
What is the financial health of the airport? The financial health of the airport continues to improve. While the airport currently does not cover every cost, fees collected on land leases, hangar and tie-down rentals, and fuel sales cover 100% of items such as grant shares, airport staffing, operations and maintenance. These fees are paid by airport users. What the airport is not able to cover is the city mandated 45 day contingency (rainy day funding) requirement. This contingency requirement is to cover emergency type items. Through continued reductions of airport expenses and additional airport revenues, the long term plan is that the airport fund will also cover all contingency requirements.