Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Charles Soules, Director of Public Works
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Cynthia Wagner, Casey Toomay, Mark Thiel, Steve Bennett
DATE:	January 27, 2014
RE:	Obstruction at Lawrence Airport

Last week it came to staffs attention that a proposed observation tower had received an FAA opinion of no significant effect of the City of Lawrence, Airport operations.

The proposed Tower is to be located approximately two miles north of Runway 19 and will be 126 feet above ground level, but due to the topography will be 380 feet above the airport field elevation (see attached elevations).

The company proposing to construct the observation tower is NEON (National Ecological Observatory Network). NEON is an independent company that collects ecological data.

At the Airport Advisory Board meeting on January 23, 2014, the Board reviewed this project and has significant concerns that the proposed tower will interfere with normal traffic patterns for landings and alter the minimums for all circle to land operations.  What this would mean is that aircraft in certain Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions would have to choose a different airport at which to land.  Essentially the visibility restriction would be increased from 1.5 miles to 2 miles. 

Neither the City nor the State of Kansas (KDOT Aviation) were aware of this proposed review of this project by the FAA.

Attached is a jointly sponsored letter from the City and Aviation Advisory Board Chair, requesting the FAA review their decision. 

Action Requested:  Authorize Mayor to sign letter to FAA.

Respectfully Submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

CFS/ch