La. Admin. Code tit. 70 § IX-327

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section IX-327 - New Airports

A. An airport that is constructed on a new site presents different prioritization issues than improvements to existing airports. Generally, a new airport will fall into either of two categories.

1. First, an airport that is proposed for an area of the state not served by a public airport.

2. Second, a new airport proposed to replace an existing public airport which, for any number of reasons, is not considered a suitable public airport.

B. Prioritization of projects for the development of a new airport requires a slightly different process than that for an existing airport. There are some special considerations that must be made in each of the four prioritization categories.

C. Initially, it must be determined if the project under consideration is for a "new" airport. For purposes of the priority process, an airport will be considered "new" until land is purchased for the airport, a primary runway is constructed, and an apron for aircraft parking is constructed. This includes clearing of runway approaches. At some point during its development, a new airport becomes an existing airport. The completion of these elements allows aircrafts to operate at the airport and, at that point, the airport is no longer considered "new". As such, future projects would be prioritized using the standard prioritization process. The land acquisition, runway, and apron construction will be prioritized using the following special considerations in each category.

D. Under the "project type" category, new airport projects will be categorized in either of two project type categories. Those new airports that are replacing an existing airport are categorized as upgrades to standards type projects. This type of new airport allows construction of an airport that meets all DOTD design standards and allows for future expansion to continue to meet these standards. It should be noted that land purchased for a new airport is often funded with state funds, but when the FAA begins funding other improvements such as the primary runway, the state is reimbursed for land acquisition costs. If this is the case, land acquisition should be treated as a federally funded project and prioritized accordingly.

E. New airports constructed in areas of the state not being served by a public airport are prioritized under the project type "airside improvements" subcategory. These airports are primarily constructed to increase the capacity of the Louisiana public airports system, and after construction will be prioritized in the "airside preservation" subcategory similar to existing airport's projects. The FAA usually reimburses land acquisition costs; thus, these projects should be prioritized accordingly. Where land acquisition is a prerequisite to construction, the Sponsor shall provide DOTD with proof of ownership, prior to starting construction. The Sponsor Certification shall be submitted to DOTD after real property is acquired/leased or a contract has been executed. The Sponsor shall assume ownership of the improvements and assume all operations and maintenance costs of the facilities for a period of not less than 20 years. Non-aeronautical activities shall require written approval from DOTD.

F. For the "facility scoring" category, the based aircraft and enplanements numbers that determine the points awarded for the new airport project will be those cited in the supporting planning document for the first planning phase. This will usually be the numbers cited for the first year of operation.

G. Under the "airport sponsor compliance" category, there are two areas that can be included in the prioritization process. The presence of height limitation zoning/ordinances and land use zoning along with subsequent local enforcement policies and procedures should be documented and points assigned accordingly.

H. In the "special considerations" category, a new airport can be assigned points in the same manner as an existing airport. If an airport is the first public airport in an area, the airport should receive bonus points for its economic development potential. The airport represents a totally new mode to the local transportation system and should have a significant long-term economic impact on the area served. Remaining bonus point areas can be assigned in the same manner they are assigned for existing airports.

La. Admin. Code tit. 70, § IX-327

Promulgated by the Department of Transportation and Development, Division of Aviation, LR 16:538 (June 1990), amended LR 24:1513 (August 1998), amended by the Department of Transportation and Development, Intermodal Transportation Division, LR 33:526 (March 2007), repromulgated by the Department of Transportation and Development, Aviation Section, LR 39:112 (January 2013), Amended by the Department of Transportation and Development, Intermodal Transportation Division, Aviation Section, LR 42761 (5/1/2016), Amended by the Department of Transportation and Development, Intermodal Transportation Division, LR 491425 (8/1/2023).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with USC 49:47103, SCR 67 (1997) and R.S. 2:6.