IMG and BOC Question/Answer Public Meeting

September 20, 2011

1. The overlying theme of this study is that Briscoe field, to be successfully privatized, must serve the public interest, generating a “greater good” for the community.
2. Due to the recession, most small airports are leaning toward selling, not leasing.
3. If an airport goes commercial, the county will have limited ability to control scheduling, flight patterns, etc., but IMG suggested there may be indirect ways to control these types of issues.
4. IMG recommends pursuing privatization with general aviation to formulate goals for the written proposals of the interested parties.
5. There is no airport successfully privatized through the FAA Pilot program to use as a model.
6. Just because commercial flights are available, it doesn't mean people will use Briscoe.
7. If Briscoe becomes commercialized, the county can't control which airlines serve the airport or the cost of tickets. However, IMG stated that the size of aircraft could be indirectly controlled by limiting the size of runways.
8. Among the constraints on Briscoe becoming a privatized general or commercial airport are: land space, air space, a physically restrictive market, noise, environment, water, poor economy, decline in property values.
9. When considering privatization only:
1. How will the interested party enhance services?
2. What type of management system will be used?
3. Are the key people experienced in airport management?
4. What are the proposed revenue opportunities? Are they documented anywhere else  ?
5. Will the interested party outsource jobs?
10. The RFP Process reopened:

1. Set expectations (goals) and parameters of service.
2. Decide to focus on General Aviation management which is much less complex.
3. Look at a development plan to improve the investment short-term based on a general aviation plan that is feasible.
4. Give bidders a chance to propose a long-term vision (NOT necessarily commercial traffic).
5. Consider what is beneficial to the community.
6. Look for feasibility in all areas and in all proposals.

1. The county must first give interested parties guidelines (goals) as to what Gwinnett County is looking for in a proposal.
2. The evaluation process for proposals include:
1. Economic-what kind of revenue will the county see?
2. Technical-interested parties must have impeccable qualifications/management skills in running a successful airport.
3. Development-what value will enhancement of Briscoe have for the county?  What type of financial commitment will the interested parties guarantee?

1. A Citizen Review/Oversight/Etc. Committee will be appointed to assist the Board through out the process. The Board has committed to seating this committee.
2. Should Briscoe fail as a general aviation airport or a commercial airport, Gwinnett County guarantees to financially support management of the airport at extensive cost to taxpayers. IMG stated there is less risk, however, if Briscoe is maintained as a General Aviation facility. This would be due to the fact that there would be fewer changes to airport operations and less dependence on airline whims.

Honorable Chairwoman Nash complimented the opposition attendees saying, "I truly appreciate the quiet and respectful demeanor of those present. Especially when this issue is so important to everyone."  TO SHOW OUR SUPPORT OF CHAIRWOMAN NASH AND JOHN HEARD, YOU MUST COME TO THIS MEETING.  WE ARE CLOSER THAN EVER TO PUTTING THIS COMMERCIALIZATION ISSUE TO REST

From the Gwinnett Daily Post (April 28, 2011):

LAWRENCEVILLE — Studies were cited, flight paths were produced, but many residents were left wondering if they could believe their own ears, at the first official public airing of Gwinnett's airport issue.

“I'm not real sure what we are debating,” said pilot Steve Lemelin, one of about 800 residents at the hearing set to allow feedback on a plan to privatize Briscoe Field in Lawrenceville.

Last year, Gwinnett officials moved forward on a privatization application with the Federal Aviation Administration. While three firms have submitted qualifications to pursue the project, no proposals have been issued.

Yet the idea floated by Propeller Investments to convert the general aviation airport to a 10-gate regional hub has many nearby residents concerned about noise, property values and quality of life.

In fact, Lawrenceville Councilman Tony Powell said the city has retained an attorney to fight the commercialization, if the commission does move forward.

“The expansion of the airport would do real damage to our community,” Powell said. “We intend to do all we can to win that battle.”

On Tuesday, commissioners will vote on whether to take the commercialization option out of the privatization project.

On one side of the debate, many business leaders said the proposition could be a boon to the economy, while others questioned the stated $1.2 billion impact.

“Why sacrifice one part of the county for the rest?” Rich Carithers said.

Amy Heckman, though, said why not continue forward until true studies can be done.

“I don't understand how a decision can be made without gathering all of the facts,” she said. “I think it's unfortunate people are afraid to find out what the facts are. I don't see what the harm could be other than people are afraid we might find out there is value to it.”

People appealed to commissioners on topics of health from the correlation between airport noise and heart attacks and gave statistics on a potential 10 percent hit to property values. A few worried that the county would be left holding a financial burden if the operators went bankrupt.

But the most dramatic moment came when the sound of a jet engine played through the sound system at 12Stone Church.

Later, though, an audience member said a sound meter on his phone disputed the claims.

“If you can't be emotional about something you perceive will affect the value of your home then what can you be emotional about?” Mike Royal asked, before imploring the board to move forward to receive proposals without restricting the airport's usage. “What Gwinnett has been looking for is leadership from you. We need that and we need accurate information."

Publications

LNA - Commercialization and Expansion of Briscoe Airfield - Neighborhood Impact

Citizens for a Better Gwinnett ---- Thoughts and Suggestions
1. no passenger jet service at Briscoe.
2. Limit the size of aircraft utilizing Briscoe now and in the future.
3. Establish noise regulations and a noise mitigation office at Briscoe now.
4. Public forums should be held before any decision to proceed is made.
5. Listen to the will of Gwinnett County citizens regarding this and other issues.
6. Privatization is only acceptable for continued general aviation use.
7. If privatization is pursued, limit bidders to companies with 5+ years of profitable operating history. No start-up companies should be considered, there is too much risk.
8. Bar Gwinnett County from issuing, endorsing, or guaranteeing any bonds that a private operator would need to expand or improve Briscoe Field. Private means private.
9. Commissioners constantly cite the need it increase revenue to the county; it's time to focus on other sources.

Contacts

Charlotte Nash, Gwinnett County Chairman
770-822-7009
charlotte.nash@gwinnettcounty.com

Shirley Lasseter, Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 1
510 Woodiron Drive, Duluth, GA 30097
770-722-3545
shirley.lasseter@gwinnettcounty.com or mayorshirley@charter.net

Lynette Howard, Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 2
770-822-7002
lynette.howard@gwinnettcounty.com

Mike Beaudreau, Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 3
3420 Callie Still Road
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
770-822-7003
mike.beaudreau@gwinnettcounty.com or mikeb@mikebeaudreau.com

John Heard, Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 4
770-822-7004
john.heard@gwinnettcounty.com

Valerie Clark, State Representative, District 104
252 Regal Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-314-0456
vclark123@charter.net

Commercialization and Expansion of Briscoe Airfield
Neighborhood Impact
Lawrenceville Neighborhood Alliance

In what ways can the commercialization and expansion of Briscoe Airfield affect the sustainability of the City of Lawrenceville? Noise and environmental pollution for the 30,00 residents, the encroachment of the airport to accommodate airport expansion, and the decrease of land and house valuations are all a part of the social effects on a community. In addition, there are also the environmental effects and safety issues related to airlines that service regional airports. In a telephone interview, members of the Lawrenceville Neighborhood Alliance have voiced their opinion regarding the commercialization and expansion of Briscoe Field. A majority responded that they felt this would really affect the sustainability of Lawrenceville, especially since the city already has many social and economic issues facing it.

Issues of Briscoe Airfield expansion and commercialization will be examined:

* The Social effects
* The Environmental effects

Social Effects

Social factors include issues like:
* Noise pollution
* Quality of life for nearby residents
* Possible physical encroachment of the airport on nearby communities - i.e. airport expansion
* Decreasing land and house values.

For the City of Lawrenceville, aircraft noise pollution is of great concern. Sleep interference and the frequency and intensity of aviation noise are factors that must be considered and regulated. Classrooms, religious services, hospitals, residential family life and worker productivity will be affected by sustained aircraft noise.

Because Briscoe Field is so close to the city, the entire city will be affected. Quality of life for the 30,000 residents will be lowered. Those affected will move out and people will probably not move into the area affected by noise. With expansion, the airport could have an economic affect by increasing employment, increasing business related income and construction of new offices and retail establishments. Buit it could also lower residential property values and decrease land available for livable centers.

We support the general aviation uses at Briscoe Field, but do not support the expansion and commercialization of this airport. If Gwinnett County Commissioners vote to expand and commercialize Briscoe Field, then the following should be implemented in order to quiet the skies.

* Limit the hours and number of planes that can take off and land per day.
* Limit or restrict cargo planes at night, i.e. Federal Express, UPS, DHL
* Limit the intensity of the noise. Limit night time sleep interference
* Compensate neighbors impacted by aviation noise for the lost quality of life, lost property values, and lost productivity. (Voluntary Home Acquisition Program in the noise zones)
* Limit the types of aircraft that can operate at the airport
* Limit engine runups.

Environmental Effects

Environmental concerns include the
* closeness of Briscoe Field to densely populated areas
* emissions generated by the airport's operation
* traffic congestion created by the economic impact of the airport
* safety of the regional airlines.

Closeness of Briscoe Field to densely populated areas
Briscoe Field is located 1.25 miles from the downtown Lawrenceville business district and even cloer to densely populated areas of apartments and duplexes along Hurricane Shoals and Northdale Roads.

Emissions Generated by Airport Operations - Air Quality
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most serious of greenhouse gases. Aviation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. A study of Boston areas near the airport indicate that the rate of asthma, allergies and respiratory disease has increased relative to areas located further from Logan Airport.

Traffic Congestion in Lawrenceville Created by the Economic Impact of the Airport
On a daily basis, what is the proposed number of vehicle trips to and from Briscoe Airfield? How much will it increase traffic congestion in Lawrenceville? Which intersections will be congested and for how long? What will the impact be on GA Highway 316? What will the impact be on the major highways that lead into and out of the City of Lawrenceville?

Safety Issues of Regional Airlines -- Airlines that Service Regional Airports
Frontline, a PBS investigative series presented a program on the on the issue of regional airlines, their safety, and their relationaships with their affiliated airlines and the FAA.

This disturbing report included information about regional airlines.

Factors were:

Fatigue: Many regional airline pilots aren't paid very well, which leads them to live wherever it's cheap which isn't necessarilty close to their base of operations. This means long commutes, sometimes across the entire continent. So there is a link between low pay and fatigue.

Risk taking: The airlines operating the regional jets and turboprops and a pilot up front typically get paid only when the flight actuallly arrives at its intended destination. Diversions to another airport? No paycheck. That can encourage risk-taking.

Coziness: The FAA, it's argued, is too closely wed to the idea of "promoting" aviation, rather than regulating it. The airlines and their regulators are too close.

Obfuscation: The mainlines try to sell subcontracted flights as if they're their own, by putting the "Operated by..." in fine print. Travelers aren't aware that they are not flying on a major airline.

Inconsistency: The regional airline industry inflight services may not be on par with their mainline partners.

Should Briscoe Field Airport in Lawrenceville be Privatized?

concept artwork from whyprivatizebriscoe.com/
             

The Gwinnett County Commission has authorized $250,000 for an application fee and will be going to Washington DC to meet with the FAA in hopes of privatizing Gwinnett's Briscoe Field Airport.  County officials said they will study privatizing the facility, including having public hearings on the matter.              

Brett Smith, Chief Investment Officer of Propeller Investments, said the Atlanta area is ripe for a second commercial airport.  He stated that he would like to model this airport after the White Plains Airport in Westchester County, New York.  It is our understanding that  the airport would fall under the umbrella category of general aviation.  General aviation aircraft  range from single-engine, two-seat, privately owned recreational aircraft, to corporate jet sized   airliners.  Westchester is served by eight (8) passenger commercial airlines. For more information on the White Plains Airport :  www.westchestergov.com or Westchester County Airport

The Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota. www.cts.umn.edu  has published a study on the Groundside Effects of Air Transportation.    Conclusions from this report indicate that regional economic needs and wants override local economic, social, and environmental needs and wants.   Read the report to find out more about the groundside effects of air transportation on communities.       

According to whyprivatizebriscoe.com, the types of airplanes that Propeller Investments is anticipating flying in and out of Briscoe Field would be the MD90, the Boeing 737-700, the Airbus A-319, and the Boeing 717.

Planes currently using Briscoe Field	Anticpiated planes using Briscoe Field
Cessna 206	Airbus A-319
Gulfstream II	Boeing 717
Learjet 24D	Boeing 737-70
Global Express	MD-90

From Gwinnett County Government:

FACT SHEET
Study of Potential Airport Operations and Management Changes
Briscoe Airport – Lawrenceville, Georgia
August 17, 2010

• In 2009, a private investment group approached Gwinnett County officials with a proposal that envisioned privatization of the operations, development, and maintenance of Gwinnett County Airport - Briscoe Field. This plan proposes operational changes as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Privatization Pilot Program including potential commercial passenger service.

• The FAA Airport Privatization Pilot Program affords the opportunity and framework for public sponsors of airports, like Gwinnett County, to explore privatization as a means of generating access to various sources of private capital for airport improvements and development. Privatization of aviation infrastructure and services is the transfer in whole or part to a non-sovereign agent to sell, lease, or change the management of the airport.

• Like many other communities around the country, Gwinnett County is looking to identify significant new revenue sources through efficiencies, user fees, and the “best use” of assets.

• In January 2010, the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution directing staff to submit a preliminary application to the FAA to reserve one of five slots in the limited Airport Privatization Pilot Program. The preliminary application was the initial step in starting the lengthy process of studying the possibility of a public-private partnership to operate Gwinnett’s airport. The preliminary application identifies the project objectives, describes the proposed process and timetables, and provides current financial and operations statements.

• On May 26, 2010, the FAA accepted Gwinnett County’s preliminary application to enter Briscoe Airport into the FAA Airport Privatization Pilot Program. This acceptance means Gwinnett County will occupy the fourth of five slots in this limited program. Next steps include: studying the feasibility of privatization of the Airport; potentially selecting a private operator; negotiating an agreement; and submitting a final application to FAA. There is no timeline for the FAA to complete its review of the final application.

• The FAA’s acceptance of the pre-application does not commit the County to proceed with a final application.

• The FAA’s final approval is based on a number of conditions including the private manager and operator’s ability to:
Ensure continued access to the airport on reasonable terms
Ensure continued safe operations
Ensure continued maintenance and improvements
Ensure security
Mitigate noise and environmental impacts
Provide for the continued operation of the airport in case of the private manager and operator’s bankruptcy or other defaults

• Major Milestones for potential for Airport Privatization:
RFQ/RFP Process (mid to late 2010)

1. Finalization and issuance of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
2. Evaluation of submittals
3. Selection of short-listed qualified firms
4. Preparation and issuance of the Request for Proposals (RFP) document
5. Evaluation of proposals
6. Selection of preferred proposal and possible BOC action to award proposal

Contract Negotiation Phase (early to mid 2011)
1. Negotiation of contract with selected private sector partner
2. BOC Action to approve negotiated contract

Final Application Process for Approval by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (early 2011 to final approval)

1. FAA review of final application (time frame is dependent upon the specific proposal selected and federal requirements associated therewith)
2. FAA certification of private operator
3. Closing – sign contract with selected private sector partner

• On August 16, 2010, the County opened three responses to its Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The three respondents are: Propeller Airports Briscoe Field, Inc., American Airports Corporation, and Gwinnett Airport, LLC. Next steps: A committee made up of County staff will now evaluate the three submissions and potentially select a “short list” of firms from which to request specific proposals.

• Foreseeable potential outcomes of this initiative include:
Remain “as is” – a County-operated General Aviation Airport
Privatization as a General Aviation Airport
Privatization of airport with the addition of commercial passenger service

• Further, it is the County’s intent that any recommendation to the Board of Commissioners on whether or not to move forward will be an informed opinion and will be based on what is in the long-term best interest of Gwinnett County and its citizens. Depending on the outcome, the length and level of detail of all impact studies will be contingent upon proposed operational changes, if any, at Briscoe Field. That is, privatization may involve simply a change of management, in which case no environmental impact study would be warranted. Of course, significant operational changes due to scheduled commercial passenger service would likely trigger extensive environmental and economic impact studies. We will not know the extent of impact studies until we discuss potential business cases, if any, with private sector investors.

• An analysis of the repercussions of any proposed operational changes, as well as an analysis of potential business cases, will involve multiple government agencies and will likely take several years to complete.

• At this time, no formal public hearings are scheduled. We will be developing a public involvement plan. The goal of our public involvement effort will be to engage stakeholders with a variety of interests and concerns; to work directly with the citizens of Gwinnett County to keep them informed, listen to their ideas, acknowledge their concerns and provide feedback on how these ideas and concerns are addressed.

• Information will continue to evolve throughout the process and will be communicated to the public in a timely manner.

The Alliance is committed to

Building Strong Neighborhoods, Not Just Houses!