SUBJECT
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Consideration for approval to award a professional services contract to RS&H, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $327,704.00 for an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the removal of the Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) for Runway 36L (Proposed Action). Services for this project are eligible for reimbursement by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Grant. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Moderate
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Policy 10.4.4 Promote the modernization of airport facilities and associated infrastructure to meet future demand.
Policy 10.4.6 Ensure that airport improvements are planned in coordination with FAA regulations and regional air service needs.
Policy 6.22.2 Ensure that major infrastructure improvements are preceded by proper environmental assessment and review.
Summary of alignment:
The Environmental Assessment for the removal of the EMAS system and potential runway extension at Laredo International Airport reflects moderate alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan. The project advances goals related to airport modernization, FAA coordination, and infrastructure safety, though the assessment phase alone does not fulfill any goal in a final or constructed form.
This agenda item ensures compliance with federal standards, addresses infrastructure integrity and safety deficiencies, and initiates environmental due diligence-all of which support long-term transportation and economic development strategies. However, because this action is preparatory in nature and not yet the execution of capital improvements, the alignment is best classified as Moderate.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
N/A
BACKGROUND
The proposed project will include the Environmental Assessment for the removal of the Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) for Runway 36L. The EMAS was installed in 2006 with a 10-year life cycle. A top tray lid retrofit was completed in 2012 to extend the service life of the bed. Based on the report prepared by Runway Safe in 2024, a bed replacement is needed. The integrity of the seam seal over the entirety of the bed is deteriorating and the vents in the bed are very brittle to point of breaking when cleaned. In the 2024 FAA Inspection, it was documented by FAA Inspector that it was in poor condition and it had to be corrected. The FAA has proposed removing the EMAS and extending one of the runways.
Additional project components include providing a standard runway safety area (RSA) for Runway 36L, extending an existing runway to provide sufficient runway length to accommodate the critical aircraft operating at LRD, extending existing taxiways (as needed), and potentially relocating existing navigational aids (NAVAIDS).
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Item will be presented to the Airport Advisory Board.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Approval of this motion.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025
Budgeted Y/N?: Yes
Source of Funds: Airport Construction Fund
Account #: 433-3674-583-5526
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund.
Account No. 433-3674-583-5526