To: Board of Supervisors
From: Greg Baer, Director of Airports
Report Title: Authorization to Apply for and Accept Federal Aviation Administration and Caltrans Airport Grant Funding
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
AUTHORIZE the Director of Airports to submit Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approximately $1.5 million to fund the purchase of a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) truck at Buchanan Field Airport (CCR). Pacheco area (District III).
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Director of Airports, or designee, to sign a Statement of Acceptance with the Federal Aviation Administration for approximately $1.5 million to fund the replacement of an ARFF truck at CCR.
ADOPT resolution to APPROVE the application of, acceptance of, execution of, and signatory authority for a grant application with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), for a FAA matching grant of approximately $75,000 for the purchase of a new ARFF truck at CCR.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the ARFF truck and associated equipment is not expected to exceed $1.5 million. This estimated amount will be fully funded as follows: 95% ($1,425,000) by the FAA, 5% of the FAA’s share ($71,250) by Caltrans, and $3,750 by the Airport Enterprise Fund. The expected carrying costs and final costs are within the Airport Enterprise Fund budget for FY2026-27.
BACKGROUND:
In order to maintain its current certification level (CFR Part 139) with the FAA, Buchanan Field Airport is required to maintain the operation of an emergency response vehicle (ARFF truck) while certain flights are being conducted. The Airports Division’s newest truck is now over 10 years old, is requiring more major maintenance, and has reached the end of its useful life as defined by the FAA. Through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant program, the Airports Division has the opportunity to secure a grant with the FAA and a second grant with Caltrans that, in combination, will cover nearly 100% (99.75%) of the cost of the truck and the associated equipment. While both grant applications need Board authorization, Caltrans requires a resolution in addition to this staff report.
With the acquisition of a new ARFF truck the Airports Division will reduce maintenance costs by eliminating one of its older trucks and will have a state-of-the-art FAA compliant ARFF truck for emergency response purposes.
Approval of the requested actions will allow the Director of Airports to move forward by securing the grants that, if awarded, will result in acquiring a high-value safety apparatus, with a de minimis effect on the Airports’ budget.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The County will not receive the FAA and Caltrans Grant funding necessary to acquire the new piece of safety equipment. Additionally, the FAA funds currently programmed for this piece of equipment will not be available beyond this fiscal year.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE OF AN ALLOCATION OF FUNDS AND EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORMIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR AN AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AIP) MATCHING GRANT.
WHEREAS Contra Costa County and the Federal Aviation Administration are parties to a future AIP grant for the acquisition of a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) truck at Buchanan Field Airport; and
WHEREAS, the California Department of Transportation, pursuant to the Public Utilities Code section 21683.1, provides grants of 5% of Federal Aviation Administration grants to airports; and
WHEREAS the California Department of Transportation requires the Board of Supervisors to adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of an application for an AIP Matching grant;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County:
1. Authorizes filing an application for a state AIP Matching grant for this project.
2. Authorizes accepting the allocation of state AIP Matching funds for the project.
3. Authorizes execution of an AIP Matching Grant Agreement for this project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County does hereby authorize, Greg Baer, Director of Airports to sign any documents required to apply for and accept these subject funds on behalf of Contra Costa County.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors at a regular meeting held on June 9, 2026.