NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT RELATED TO PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE APPLICATION

Transcription

1 NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT RELATED TO PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE APPLICATION The Houston Airport System (HAS) is providing an opportunity for public comment until November 2, 2015 related to the proposed Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Application # 2 for William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). This public notice is provided in accordance with requirements contained in Federal Aviation Regulation 49CFR Part Passenger Facility Charge. The Houston Airport System (HAS) received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose and use PFCs for eighteen projects at the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) on August 10, The approved application was subsequently amended on both July 11, 2008 and January 20, HAS intends to file a second PFC application with the FAA to impose and use a $4.50 PFC for seven projects at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) as described below:

2 2.01 International Terminal Expansion This project consists of the following components: 1. A new five (5) gate west concourse: Level zero, a below grade tunnel, primarily serves as a corridor that contains the new baggage system and utilities that support the international terminal expansion. The new baggage system consists of three (3) inbound baggage conveyers that serve the carousels on level one and one (1) outbound baggage conveyor that connects to the existing baggage conveyer that serves existing operations. Level one, at approximately apron elevation, primarily contains Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facilities and the sterile corridors which leads to the FIS facilities. This level also includes inbound baggage unloading areas occupy, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) equipment and Information Technology (IT) systems. Where the existing terminal and the expansion area meet, a meeter/greeter area and tenant spaces are provided, along with non-secure public circulation. Level two contains the five (5) gate hold rooms, passenger amenities (such as concessions and restrooms), and expanded ticketing lobby, as well as general secure and sterile public circulation. MEP and IT functions can also be found on this level. Each of the five gates is equipped with a passenger loading bridge which connects directly to a sterile corridor system on level one that allows international passengers to be routed to the FIS area. Each of the gates can also be used for domestic operations without routing passengers through the FIS. Level three provides space for MEP equipment and other concourse systems as well as required circulation. 2. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) international arrivals processing facility. The new CBP facility includes both primary and secondary screening, a baggage claim facility, and CBP offices. The primary processing area is approx. 35,000 square feet (SF) and includes ten (10) primary inspection booths and three (3) baggage carousels. The secondary screening area is approx. 14,000 SF and includes two (2) Rapiscan Machines, four (4) baggage inspection stations, and multiple interview, search, and detention rooms. 3. Furniture and equipment - various furniture and equipment will be installed throughout the international terminal expansion, including: Fixed public seating Five passenger loading bridges (PLB) with preconditioned air systems (PCAir), 400Hz power ground supply systems, and potable water cabinets. All PLBs are full rampdrive, three-tunnel type. An Electronic Visual Information Display System (EVIDS). The system displays content throughout the airport to convey baggage, gate, and flight information to the passengers.

3 A technology system that is made up of structured cabling, pathways, and technology spaces and data network equipment. A new fire protection and alarm system. The facility will be 100% covered by this new system. The fire alarm system is compatible with and will tie into the existing fire alarm system. The fire protection system is both a dry and wet system and is served from the new Satellite Utility Plant. The system includes new main lines, branch lines, heads and flow control valves. 4. Apron Area. This project element includes the construction of ramp associated with all aircraft parking positions surrounding the new international concourse, and the construction of an additional taxilane (resulting in dual taxilanes between the Central and new International concourses). This project will provide approximately 159,500 SF of new apron. In addition, one remaining overnight aircraft parking position will be constructed. An in pavement hydrant fueling system is included for the project. The system includes a dedicated hydrant fueling pit at each gate, emergency stops, and connection to the existing hydrant fueling loop. 5. Terminal Loop Road Relocation-Roadway Modifications. The International Terminal Expansion will impact existing access roadways to the passenger terminal facility. Terminal Loop Road currently provides direct access from Airport Boulevard to the Terminal building. Terminal Loop Road is an at-grade roadway that splits into two (2) levels as it approaches the Terminal from the west. The lower level of the road allows curbside passenger pick-up at an area just outside of the baggage claim area. The upper level of the road allows departing passengers to be dropped-off just outside of the Terminal ticketing area. The International Terminal Expansion will extend the Terminal building westward 800-ft approximately. The west side of the Terminal Loop Road will be realigned with the extended Terminal building. As with the existing roadway, the realigned Terminal Loop Road will be a split level road connecting to the lower level passenger arrivals pick-up area and the upper level passenger drop off area just outside of the new ticketing lobby. The realigned Terminal Loop Road will offer an enhanced level of traffic service by providing additional travel lanes, queue length and line of sight. The realigned at-grade section of the Terminal Loop Road will increase the number of travel lanes from three (3) lanes to four (4) lanes. The number of lanes on the upper level departure road will increase from two (2) to three (3); and the number of lanes on the lower level arrival road will remain at two (2). The upper level curbside passenger drop off area will be extended to correspond to the extended length of the new ticketing area and there will be four (4) lanes available for traffic. The upper level will be an elevated cast-in-place concrete structure. The elevation transition from the at-grade roadway to the elevated roadway will be facilitated with mechanically stabilized earthen retaining wall. Additionally there will be a roadway to provide direct access to the Terminal from the car rental facilities located west of the Satellite Utility Plant. All newly constructed roadways will be composed of concrete pavement constructed on stabilized subgrade.

4 The Terminal Loop Road also serves as an access corridor to maintain primary utilities serving the Terminal facility. The utilities along the existing Terminal Loop Road include power, communications, water, sanitary, and natural gas. In order to maintain maintenance access, realignment of these utilities will also be required. Additionally, drainage for the new roadway will be required to be constructed and connected to the existing system. 6. Elevated Pedestrian Walkway - This project element includes design and construction of a pedestrian walkway which spans over the terminal entrance road. The walkway will connect the parking garage to the new International Terminal Expansion. The walkway will be approximately 300 feet long and 15 feet wide. The pedestrian bridge will be air conditioned and connect to a vertical circulation lobby in the terminal. The project will also include 4 structural concrete columns. Mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) equipment and Information Technology (IT) systems as are required to support this walkway are included in this project. 7. Enabling Projects: Demolition of certain existing facilities, including the Service Corporation International (SCI) hangar, badging offices, police offices, operations offices, and TSA offices. The badging, police, and TSA offices will all be relocated within the main terminal. SCI is replacing the hangar with a new, larger hangar in the south quadrant of the airfield, adjacent to Taxiway K (outside of this project). Relocation of portable glycol and diesel tanks (ground service equipment pad). Renovation and relocation of facilities in the existing main terminal to integrate the new International Terminal Expansion, including the security screening checkpoint (SCCP), HAS offices, Southwest Airlines offices, concession space, CBP, Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and airport ticket offices (ATOs). Several utilities were relocated in this project. The existing emergency generator, 15KV power, sanitary sewer, main telecommunications entrance, water line, storm water utilities were all relocated as part of the project. Project Justification: The International Terminal Expansion project will open in October Prior to this project, the only commercial service airport with a CBP international arrivals processing facility was IAH. Only airlines serving IAH could serve international markets. Southwest Airlines does not serve IAH and could not offer nonstop competition to international markets from Hobby. As documented in Hobby s FAA approved April 2013 Airport Competition Plan Update (2013 Competition Plan Update), the addition of this International Terminal Expansion will provide expanded facilities to add low cost international service options to the Houston metropolitan area and introduce international growth opportunities for all airlines. PFC Level Requested: $4.50

5 2.02 Satellite Utilities Plant (SUP) Phase 1 The existing Terminal building is currently served by the Central Utility Plant (CUP) located in the existing Terminal facility. The CUP was constructed prior to the Central Concourse and is 30+ years in age. The CUP houses boiler and chiller equipment to produce hot and chilled water for heating and cooling the existing Terminal building. There is not adequate hot water capacity to serve the International Terminal expansion. Additionally the existing Terminal fire protection system cannot meet the needs for the International Terminal expansion. Expansion of the existing Central plant was not viable due to space limitations. A new Central Utility Plant is being constructed to update the service to the existing Terminal and to meet the needs for the International Terminal Expansion. This new CUP will ultimately replace the existing CUP. To distinguish between the two facilities, the new CUP was renamed the Satellite Utility Plant (SUP). The SUP project will be accomplished in 3 phases. This project contains phase 1. The new SUP is on a remote site located approximately 600-ft north of the new International Terminal Expansion. The new SUP is a 2-level structure providing approximately 16,400 square feet. The facility will accommodate boilers, chillers, electrical switchgear, communication equipment, and fire protection equipment. The SUP is connected to the International Terminal Expansion by a concrete utility tunnel constructed within this project. Phase 1 will include three (3) - 4,000 MBTU boilers to be placed in the new SUP to support the International Terminal expansion. The primary electrical service to the entire Terminal facility will also be routed through the SUP and the utility tunnel to the entire Terminal facility. The existing primary electrical service requires rerouting due to relocation of the Terminal Loop Road. A new primary electrical switchgear will be installed in the SUP main electrical room to replace the existing equipment which is nearing the end of its service life. Additionally a new Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) room will be provided for relocated communications cables to be rerouted through the utility tunnel and to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF) room in the Terminal Facility. Phase 1 will also provide fire water storage and fire pumps required to meet the fire code requirements of the International Terminal expansion. Current plans for Phase II include the addition of 2 new chillers and a boiler with the related necessary water lines. Phase III is to include 4 new chillers. Subsequent to Phase III, the plan is to demolish the existing CUP. At this time, Phase II is to begin in 2019 and Phase III in The CUP demolition is slated for This PFC project only includes Phase 1. The Satellite Utilities Plant (SUP) project includes planning, design, program management, construction general administration. The Houston Airport System anticipates financing this project with a mixture of pay-as-you-go financing and bonds and has included estimated bond financing and interest costs. The project description listed above contains all scope elements of the project. Eligibility for the SUP has been estimated based on the percentage of PFC-eligible square footage it services.

6 Project Justification: The existing Terminal building is currently served by the Central Utility Plant (CUP) located in the existing Terminal facility. The CUP houses boiler and chiller equipment to produce hot and chilled water for heating and cooling the existing Terminal building. The existing CUP is housed in an area of the terminal that was part of the original terminal building constructed in the 1970 s. The structure is over 40 years in age and all the equipment housed therein is at least 18 years in age. The boilers housed therein are over 20 years old and the chillers range in age from 18 to 25 years. The Satellite Utility Plant (SUP) will eventually replace the CUP over three phases. This project only includes Phase 1 of SUP. During Phases I and II, the CUP and the SUP will both serve the terminal complex. Phase 1 provides incremental, additional boiler capacity needed to serve the International Terminal Expansion project (see project 2.01). The existing CUP cannot provide sufficient capacity to heat the additional 300,000 square feet provided by the International Terminal Expansion. The square footage of the existing CUP cannot be expanded in its current location to house the additional boilers. PFC level requested: $3.00

7 2.03 Passenger Walkway Canopy A new 16,600 square foot canopy will be constructed that covers the central walkway connecting the ticketing level of the passenger terminal to the existing garage. The canopy frame will be a space frame (ball and socket) system painted white with a tensile fabric roof membrane and perforated metal panel façade. An estimated 150 linear light fixtures (LED) will be installed for night security. This project will also include the removal of a curbside overhang which exists above the entryway to the terminal. This overhang will be replaced with a stainless steel band that will be a fixed part of the walkway canopy where it attaches to the terminal building. This project includes all necessary mechanical, electrical, and necessary plumbing. The Passenger Walkway Canopy project includes planning, design, program management, general administration. Project Justification The Passenger Walkway Canopy modifies the Airport access roadway to preserve the capacity of the upper level departure roadway during inclement weather. The upper level departure roadway is entirely on-airport property, serves as the primary airport access roadway, and exclusively serves Airport traffic. There is currently no canopy cover for the upper level departure roadway. The proposed canopy extends over the sidewalk and roadway to protect concentrations of passengers at the unloading areas. During periods of inclement weather, cars congregate near the doorways to minimize exposure and cause congestion on the roadway. With the canopy to protect from inclement weather, passengers are expected to distribute more evenly over the curbside and maintain the capacity of the upper level departure roadway. PFC level requested: $3.00

8 2.04 Central Concourse Structure and Main Terminal Expansion This project consisted of the design and construction of a new twenty five (25) gate concourse which replaced the three aging prior concourses, renovation of the main terminal building to accommodate the central concourse, and a pedestrian walkway connecting the main terminal and concourse. This project was completed in HAS included certain elements of this project in its first PFC application, namely the apron, associated taxiways, passenger loading bridges, demolition of old concourses B and C, the baggage handling equipment, holdroom seating, and the multi-user flight information display systems. The project in this application, the central concourse structure and main terminal expansion, does not overlap with the projects included in the previous PFC application. A New Twenty Five (25) Gate Central Concourse Level zero with an expanded utility tunnel system to connect the existing Central Plant (found within the main terminal) to the new Central Concourse for all associated utilities including potable water, sanitary sewer, hydronic piping for heating, venting, air conditioning (HVAC), electrical and IT connectivity. Level one which contained inbound baggage unloading areas as well as mechanical/electrical/plumbing and IT functions. This level also contained public and private restroom space, concession space, administration offices, TSA office space, baggage conveyance, makeup and X-Ray screening Level two which primarily contained the gate hold rooms, passenger amenities, such as concessions and restrooms as well as general public secure circulation Level three which contained mechanical/electrical soffit (compartments for utilities) support as well as airline administrative office space, maintenance catwalks, glazing windows for concourse building, etc. This new Central Concourse housed central systems including but not limited to: new HVAC hydronic piping, air handling equipment, fire protection system, security access and closed circuit television (CCTV) equipment. Expansion and renovation of the main terminal building The new areas included a new consolidated security checkpoint. Previously each individual concourse had a separate TSA checkpoint. After this expansion there was a consolidated checkpoint serving the new Central Concourse initially with 8 lanes. A curb side circulation U-Ramp was reconstructed providing waterproofing to correct leaks into baggage claim. Also new airline ticket counters were constructed in the expanded area of the main terminal and additional landside circulation was provided in this project. A new baggage sorting structure for the Non-Southwest air carriers was built on the east side of the terminal building. A new explosive detection system baggage handling system is housed in this new baggage sorting facility. The explosive detection baggage handling system housed in this structure is included as a separate PFC project in this application (see project 2.05). This sorting facility included TSA handling conveyors and X-Ray screening

9 devices. It is connected to the main terminal building with the new airline ticket counters and curb side drop off by a new conveyor system. The renovations included vertical circulation such as elevators, escalators, and a moving walkway from level 2 Central Concourse to the level 1 baggage claim. The baggage claim area was renovated with five baggage claim devices, and updated utilities and rental car counters. Infrastructure added to the Central Plant included de-coupler piping, two boilers and water source heat pump for cooling and heating. An elevated connector structure between the central concourse and the main terminal building Two moving walkways for passenger circulation from Central Concourse to Ticketing Building. Mechanical/electrical/IT functions necessary for security, fire protection, etc. A deplaning corridor which runs from the new Central Concourse, goes through the connector bridge, and then exits into the terminal building just east of the TSA checkpoint into a non-sterile area of vertical circulation with elevator/escalators and moving walkway to baggage claim. Soft Costs The Central Concourse Structure and Main Terminal Expansion project includes planning, design, program management, general conditions, and administration. Bond Financing and Interest The Houston Airport System financed this project with a mixture of pay-as-you-go financing and bonds and has included associated bond financing and interest costs. PFC Eligibility PFC eligibility was estimated based on the square footage of the affected areas. For each area, an assumed PFC eligibility is applied. Areas are generally classified as PFC-eligible, PFCineligible, or prorated. Some areas, such as mechanical, electrical, and information technology support space, are prorated based on the PFC-eligibility of the other space. The square footage allocation of the Central Concourse Structure and Main Terminal Expansion is estimated to have an overall PFC eligibility of 64.0%. Project Justification: This project was required in order to provide additional terminal capacity to meet demand forecast at the time, which has sense been realized. The Central Concourse Project is justified by (1) reducing anticipated congestion by accommodating fleet mix at Airport, (2) providing dual instead of single taxilanes between concourses which cause airfield congestion and delays, (3) reducing anticipated congestion by accommodating increased levels of passengers, and (4) enhancing safety and security by providing properly designed passenger and baggage screening capacity. PFC level requested: $4.50

10 2.05 Explosive Detection System Baggage Handling System Equipment and Security Enhancements A new baggage sorting structure for the non-southwest air carriers was built on the east side of the terminal building in the Central Concourse Project (2.04). This project constructed a new Explosive Detection System (EDS) Baggage Handling System (BHS) that was placed within this new structure. The project included new ticketing, curbside and oversize conveying systems for delivery of outbound baggage to a new baggage screening area. The baggage screening area included three (3) EDS machines and an outbound makeup carousel with associated security improvements located in this stand-alone building adjacent to the eastside of the Terminal. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provided the EDS machines. BHS modifications in the Central Concourse area were also completed to accommodate a new curbside check-in location. This project also included new airfield security components. These security enhancements contained Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and network access devices including: new security cameras, associated software and hardware, and miscellaneous necessary support equipment such as cabling, equipment consoles, etc. All mechanical/electrical/plumbing equipment and support systems as are required to operate the EDS, BHS and security enhancements were included in this project. The Explosive Detection System Baggage Handling System and Security Enhancements project includes planning, design, program management, general conditions, and administration. This project was completed in Project Justification The 2001 Aviation and Transportation Security Act requires screening of 100% of checked luggage for explosives. Prior to the EDS BHS Equipment and Security Enhancements project, baggage was screened manually for the non-southwest carriers at the Airport. Manual baggage screening was a very inefficient, labor intensive process that resulted in a number of injured TSA workers. Under the manual process, there was no way to increase capacity to meet demand during peak periods. During peak periods, the manual process resulted in departure delays due to waits for checked baggage. The EDS BHS Equipment and Security Enhancements project increased the efficiency of the overall checked baggage screening process by converting from a manual to in-line screening process. The in-line screening process increased the capacity of the system to meet demand. Flights are no longer delayed waiting for checked baggage to be screened. The rate of injury among TSA workers is also greatly reduced. PFC level requested: $4.50

11 2.06 Partial Reconstruction of Runway Taxiway C, and a Perimeter Road This project consisted of the design and construction of the following components: Partial Reconstruction of Runway 4-22: This project provided for the reconstruction of certain sections of Runway A full depth demolition/reconstruction of the honeycombed concrete pavement on Runway 4-22 (approximately 1,000 feet long by 150 feet wide on the south end of the runway, and 800 feet long by 150 feet wide on the north end of the runway) was undertaken. Honeycombs are hollow spaces and cavities left in concrete mass on the surface or inside the concrete mass which weakens the strength of the concrete. This honeycombing was found in the north and south sections of Runway It was determined that a reconstruction of these sections was needed. The removal and replacement of airfield lighting fixtures, electrical cables, conduits, light cans and other electrical components as affected by the demolition and reconstruction of the honeycombed concrete pavement were also incorporated into this project. Lighting systems included runway edge lights, touchdown zone, centerline and threshold lighting and taxiway centerline lighting; Perimeter Road. The existing perimeter road on the north-east side of the airport (from Taxiway Y to Southwest Hangar Facility) was also reconstructed in this project. The pavement was designed to withstand continuous construction traffic related to the partial reconstruction of Runway Taxiway C. Taxiway C had reached the end of its maximum design life (30+ years) and was experiencing base failure. Runway 4-22 intersects Taxiway C, so the reconstruction of Taxiway C was an incidental project. This project evaluated and redesigned the total taxiway, removing all the asphalt and replaced it with concrete. All the lighting fixtures were replaced as well. Other project elements: This project contained storm drainage improvements for the Runway Safety Area for Runway 4-22 from each runway end to the reconstruction limits; joint sealing, crack sealing, spalled concrete repair and electrical repair in the remaining sections of Runway 4-22 that were not reconstructed were also included. This project was completed in Soft Costs. The partial reconstruction of Runway 4-22, Taxiway C, and a Perimeter Road project includes planning, design, program management, and general administration. Bond Financing and Interest. The Houston Airport System financed this project with a mixture of grants and bonds and has included associated bond financing and interest costs.

12 Project Justification: The Partial Reconstruction of Runway 4-22, Taxiway C, and Perimeter Road project was needed to maintain the capacity of the airfield and improve safety on the airfield by reducing the risk of foreign object debris: Partial Reconstruction of Runway The pavement at the north and south end of the runway was honeycombed and deteriorating to the point of failure. Cracking was resulting in slivers of PCC causing foreign object debris problems on the runway. Perimeter Road Reconstruction. The roadway surface was extremely weathered and had significant cracking, rutting, and depressions. The Northeast Perimeter Road could not, prior to reconstruction, serve the construction traffic needed to complete the partial reconstruction of Runway Reconstruction of Taxiway C. Taxiway C had reached the end of its maximum design life (30+ years) and was experiencing base failure. PFC level requested: $3.00

13 2.07 Point of Use Preconditioned Air Units (PCA) for the Central Concourse The existing PCA system for the Central Concourse is a central chiller that pumps water with a glycol mixture. This PCA system provides service to aircraft parked at the gates connected to this system. 19 of the 25 gates found on the Central Concourse are a part of this system and are all leased on a preferential basis. This project includes the acquisition and installation of 19 point of use PCA units to replace all the aging, failing equipment in the glycol central system. The cost to demolish the existing glycol system will be included in this project. The Point of Use Preconditioned Air Units (PCA) for the Central Concourse project includes planning, design, program management, and general administration. Project Justification: The existing Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) system at the Airport is a central chiller that pumps water with a glycol mixture. The existing PCA units were installed in February 2005, are 10 years old, and have reached the end of their useful life. The piping system, chillers, pumps, and outdoor condensers all require a great deal of maintenance. The system is short of capacity, and all parts must be kept in perfect working order for the system to operate on moderate days. On extremely hot days, the system does not maintain the chilled water temperature required to keep the aircraft cool. If the system is not working, every gate on the PCA system is without cooling. By replacing the existing system with new units, the system will be a more dependable system. If one of the new PCA units requires maintenance or repair, only one gate is out of service at a time. In addition, demolishing the existing system yields much needed ramp level overhead clearance and floor space. PFC level requested: $3.00

14 PFC LEVEL, PROPOSED CHARGE EFFECTIVE DATE, ESTIMATED CHARGE EXPIRATION DATE, AND ESTIMATED TOTAL PFC REVENUE PFC level for application: $4.50 PFC revenue to be collected: $590,749,474 Proposed charge effective date: August 1, 2017 Estimated charge expiration date: June 1, 2038 The following table summarizes the proposed HOU PFC application projects and the proposed PFC collection amount for each project. PFC # PFC title PFCs requested for collection Proposed rate 2.01 International Terminal Expansion Project $ 293,336,576 $ Satellite Utility Plant (SUP) Phase I $ 32,776,935 $ Passenger Walkway Canopy $5,000,000 $ Central Concourse Structure and Main $ 242,697,349 $4.50 Terminal Expansion 2.05 Explosive Detection System Baggage $5,617,097 $4.50 Handling System and Security Enhancements 2.06 Partial Reconstruction of Runway and $ 7,321,517 $3.00 Taxiway C 2.07 Point of Use Pre-Conditioned Air Units $ 4,000,000 $3.00 Total proposed per PFC Application 2 $ 590,749,474 Comments or a request for a more detailed project description and justification should be sent to Sabrina Jackson, HAS Senior Business Consultant, Houston Airport System, John F. Kennedy Blvd., Houston, Texas inquiries to Sabrina.jackson@houstontx.gov.