
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 114 (Tuesday, June 14, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 38772]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-14069]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Notice of Land Use Change and Release of Grant Assurance 
Restrictions at the Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Sacramento, 
California

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of a non-aeronautical land-use change.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to rule and 
invites public comment on the application for a land-use change for 
approximately 31.1 acres of airport property at Sacramento 
International Airport (SMF), Sacramento. The land use change will allow 
airport land to be released from the aeronautical use provisions of the 
Grant Assurances that require it to serve an airport purposes since the 
land is not needed for aeronautical uses. The reuse of the land for 
solar energy generating arrays represents a compatible land use that 
will not interfere with the airport or its operations. The solar 
generated electricity will benefit the airport by producing a market 
return on the land while reducing electrical costs. Cost savings will 
equal or exceed the fair market rental value of the land occupied by 
the solar farms. These benefits will serve the interest of civil 
aviation and contribute to the self-sustainability of the airport.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 14, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Comments on the request may be mailed 
or delivered to the FAA at the following address: Mr. James W. Lomen, 
Manager, Federal Aviation Administration, San Francisco Airports 
District Office, Federal Register Comment, 1000 Marina Boulevard, Suite 
220, Brisbane, CA 94005. In addition, one copy of the comment submitted 
to the FAA must be mailed or delivered to Mr. Glen Rickelton, Airport 
Manager, Sacramento International Airport, 6900 Airport Boulevard, 
Sacramento, CA 95837.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Wendell H. Ford 
Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21), 
Public Law 106-181 (Apr. 5, 2000; 114 Stat. 61), this notice must be 
published in the Federal Register 30 days before the Secretary may 
waive any condition imposed on a federally obligated airport by surplus 
property conveyance deeds or grant agreements.
    The following is a brief overview of the request:
    The County of Sacramento, California requested a modification to 
the conditions in the Grant Assurances to permit the non-aeronautical 
use of approximately 31.1 acres of land at Sacramento International 
Airport for two separate solar array sites to produce solar generated 
electricity for the airport. One solar array site will occupy 
approximately 16.3 acres of unimproved land located in the north 
portion of the airfield, west of Taxiway D. Site two is approximately 
14.8 acres of an unused parking area between Aviation Drive and Taxiway 
D in the south portion of the airfield. Reuse of the land for the solar 
arrays will not impede future development of the airport, as there is 
sufficient land for airport development. The lease rate is based on the 
appraised market value. In lieu of direct rental payments, the airport 
will be subject to a reduced electrical rate that will produce cost 
savings that equal or exceed the appraised market value of the land. 
The use of the property for the solar arrays represents a compatible 
use. Construction and operations of the solar arrays will not interfere 
with airport operations. The solar arrays will reduce airport 
operational costs, which will enhance the self-sustainability of the 
airport and, thereby, serve the interest of civil aviation.

    Issued in Brisbane, California, on June 7, 2016.
James W. Lomen,
Manager, San Francisco Airports District Office, Western-Pacific 
Region.
[FR Doc. 2016-14069 Filed 6-13-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


