This page uses extracted PDF text. Text can misread numbers, dates or table columns. Check the PDF before quoting or interpreting it. Redacted areas remain redacted.
4 | P a g e
Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data for purposes other than safety and security,
resulting in significant impacts to airports’ ability to assess and collect landing fees. He stated
that the bill ultimately died in committee, alleviating immediate concerns, but that the language
reappeared this year in the ALERT Act legislation which was introduced in response to the recent
collision over the Potomac and focuses on enhancing aviation safety and collision prevention. He
stated that airports are concerned that excluding the use of ADS-B data for fee assessment
purposes would be incorporated into this or other legislation under consideration. Mr. Morello
reported that the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation beneficial to airports regarding
entitlement and discretionary funding managed by the Virginia Aviation Board and codifies the
funding formula into state law, providing greater predictability and stability for airport financial
planning. He stated that the bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature and that PHF and a few
other similarly-sized airports can expect approximately $1.1 million annually in entitlement
funding upon if becoming law. He stated that the legislation does not eliminate the availability of
other discretionary funding, which may still be awarded for specific projects after entitlement
funds are utilized, but that discretionary funds are typically prioritized for general aviation
airports.
Mr. Morello reported that the airport will host the Space Grant Consortium Technology
Exploration Series event on Saturday, March 21st. He stated that the event is expected to
welcome over 100 area students, along with their parents and guardians, for a day focused on
STEM education and hands-on learning experiences. He stated that nine staff members will be
on-site to assist with the event and will feature multiple interactive learning stations, including
drone activities such as an obstacle course, airport tours showcasing facilities and equipment,
and model airplane building and flying. He stated that the Virginia Department of Aviation will
also provide an eVTOL simulator known as “ICON,” a full-size, non-flying aircraft with a
cockpit interior that allows students to experience flight simulation. Mr. Morello reported that the
event is being organized by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, a NASA-affiliated
organization that supports STEM education and workforce development from K-12 through
higher education. He expressed enthusiasm about strengthening this partnership and extended
appreciation to staff committed to supporting the event on Saturday.
Mr. Morello reported on multiple waterline breaks across the airport campus involving 10-inch,
unmetered lines dating back to the early 1940s. He stated that these ductile iron lines had failed
in various locations, including two lines beneath hard surfaces. Mr. Morello reported that
Waterworks crews have responded quickly to repair and, in some cases, reroute the damaged
lines, minimizing disruption to airport tenants and operations. He stated that the first major break
occurred along the roadway leading to the general aviation area and has since been repaired. This
was followed by a second major break near the edge of the ARFF ramp which caused erosion
beneath the surface due to the high volume of water in these large lines. He stated that although
Waterworks can complete asphalt repairs, they are not equipped to handle the required concrete
restoration for the apron. He expressed concern that because the apron was constructed over the
waterlines and that Waterworks may not restore or replace concrete in such cases, staff is
coordinating with the state to explore potential emergency funding for these repairs. He stated
that staff are currently awaiting repair estimates from the apron rehabilitation contractors already
working on-site to get an understanding of potential costs. A third break occurred near Gate 2, as
well, and has been repaired. Mr. Morello reported that Waterworks says it is experiencing a high
Jump to an indexed page (6 of 6)