Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	David L. Corliss
FROM:	Chuck Soules
CC:	Dianne Stoddard, Cynthia Wagner, Jonathan Douglass, Mark Thiel, Steve Bennett
DATE:	April 11, 2012
RE:	Environmental Assessment at Lawrence Municipal Airport April 17, 2012 City Commission Agenda

Background:

In 2011 the City completed the Airport Master Plan.  The Master Plan identified both short and long term improvements at the Airport.

Additionally in 2011 the City completed extending a water main and began the installation of a sanitary sewer system for development at the Airport.  The sanitary sewer installation has had challenges with ground water and is yet to be completed. 

The master plan identified areas for development for both aviation and non aviation related businesses.  Forecasted development will need a “regional” stormwater mitigation plan.  The airport and adjacent properties are relatively flat and do not have sufficient slope for drainage.  There exists a wet area at the end of runway 15-33 which attracts birds and other wildlife, potentially causing safety issues.

The first step for the next several airport improvement projects will be an environmental assessment.  The study will provide the City the necessary action plan to mitigate any environmental issues. 

Project Funding:

The estimate for this project is approximately $65,000.  The FAA will fund 90% and the City’s share will be 10%.  The City’s share will come from Capital Improvement Reserve funds.

Action Requested:

Authorize City Manager to sign the request for funding the Environmental Assessment Study for the Lawrence Municipal Airport in an amount of $65,000.