The Valdosta – Lowndes County Airport Authority, owner of Valdosta Regional Airport (VLD), located in Valdosta, Georgia, intends to submit an Impose and Use Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting authority to charge a PFC to all eligible passengers enplaned at VLD.

The proposed PFC charge level is $4.50 per passenger enplanement for all projects.  The PFC revenue will be used as the Authority’s share of costs for projects included in the Airport’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) over the next two FAA fiscal years. The PFC revenue will also be used to reimburse the Authority for its share of recently completed and ongoing CIP projects.  The following is a summary of projects included in the PFC Application:

 

 

FY 2024

 

Terminal Area Study

Local cost: $7,182.10

This project involved terminal area planning for the Valdosta Regional Airport (VLD) in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the needs of the Valdosta – Lowndes County Airport Authority. VLD has been a key asset to the economic vitality of South Georgia and is anticipated to continue in the role. As such this Terminal Area Study / Terminal Area Plan Update, is intended to address the development needs of the airport necessary to continue to serve the needs of the region as well as to position itself to capture emerging opportunities in the aviation industry.

The Terminal Area Study/Terminal Area Plan Update addressed the steps over the next twenty years, although primary focus will be on the short-term and intermediate-term actions necessary to move toward the realization of the long-range vision of the Airport Authority.

The Terminal Area Study/Terminal Area Plan Update was conducted in accordance with FAA Advisory Circulars 150/5360-13, Planning and Design Guidelines for Airport Terminal Facilities, and 150/5300-13A, Airport Design, 150/5070-6A, Airport Master Plans, and other associated FAA guidance. It consisted of an in-depth analysis of existing facilities and the identification of future terminal expansion and/or reconfiguration to meet anticipated demands and changes in facility requirements. It also considered any new security requirements being imposed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Project Justification:  The current terminal was built to house two air carriers.  However, when TSA was created, they occupied the area for the second carrier.  One of the main objectives of this project was to create space for a second carrier.

Project Objectives:  Increase competition and capacity.

 

Obstruction Removal Project (36, 4, 18, 22) – (Land or Avigation Easement)

Local Cost: $6,350.10

The project consisted of evaluating part 77 and other surfaces for obstructions using the master plan update survey and/or a state provided survey. The goal was to identify any obstructions on airport property as well as off airport property. This project was the first step in identifying the obstructions.  The next step would be to identify how to move forward with the identified obstructions; individual tree survey, design, land or aviation easement, etc.

Project Justification:  The AIP Sponsor guide strongly encourages airport owners remove all obstructions within the flight path for maximum safety.

Project Objective:  Enhance Safety.

 

Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Review

Local Cost: $850.00

The project consisted of evaluating the current status of wildlife at the airport by a qualified wildlife biologist in order to determine if the current wildlife plan needs to be modified or continues to be adequate.

Project Justification:  FAA Part 139 requires the airport to have a Wildlife Management Hazard Management Plan.  This project reviewed the current plan and determined that it is adequate.

Project Objective:  Enhance Safety.

 

Taxiway A, E and H Crack Seal and Rejuvenation

Local Cost:  $92,690.22

This project applied crack seal and asphalt rejuvenator to the existing pavement of taxiways A, E and H, in order to extend the life of taxiways.  It also included remarking the affected taxiways.  This project required 25% matching funds.

Project Justification:  The project enhances safety to the aircraft operational surfaces by increasing friction coefficient, extending life of the pavement and remarking affected areas.

Project Objective:  Enhance Safety.

 

 

FY 2025

 

Replace General Aviation (GA) Terminal Design, Rebid and Construction

Local Cost: $336,554.07

As a part of the Airport Master Plan Update and its associated Site Selection study, it has become apparent that the general aviation terminal would need to be reconstructed.  The existing structure was constructed in the 1940’s and has been renovated several times.  This building also served as the commercial terminal prior to the construction of the existing commercial terminal building and still serves as the airline charter terminal.  The existing building is currently located inside the building restriction line for Runway 18-36 (17-35) and contains the ATCT.  The airport is currently constructing a new ATCT.  In order for the existing terminal building to continue to function at an acceptable level, a number of its internal and external systems would require major repairs and renovations.

The proposed general aviation terminal will be located east of the existing building location and outside of the building restriction line.  It will continue to serve airline charter flights.  The new ATCT is north of this location therefore allowing aircraft operations during construction of this project.  The project includes the building, utilities, demolition of the existing building and some landside improvements, etc.

Project Justification:  The project will enhance safety to the aircraft operational surfaces by moving the existing building outside of the building restriction limits per FAA guidelines.  Along with the safety measures, the existing building is beyond useful life and regularly requires maintenance and repairs.

Project Objectives:  Enhance Safety and Preserve Capacity.

 

General Aviation Area Improvements – Apron, Taxi Lane Geometry and Access/Parking Design, Repackage and Rebid

Local Cost: $22,231.00

This project consists of General Aviation Area Improvements including apron expansion, taxi lane geometry corrections, new access, and parking corrections for the associated new General Aviation Terminal building. It includes grading, drainage, paving, marking, lighting, fencing, and erosion control.

Project Justification:  The project will enhance safety to aircraft operations by adjusting access routes to/from non-movement and movement areas to meet current FAA standards.

Project Objective:  Enhance Safety.

 

Miscellaneous Drainage Analysis and Improvements

(Environmental/Video Analysis)

Local Cost: $13,250.00

Project Description: The safety areas on Runways 4, 18 and 36 and on Taxiway A near the Runway 36 end have varying surface levels that need to be addressed. This project includes the environmental phase of the future design/construction project. There is a ditch east of Runway 18/36 that is overgrown and eroding the existing landscape. This project includes the environmental phase of extending the existing closed piping system with a dual 60-inch reinforced concrete pipe perpendicularly east towards Madison Highway. The existing diagonal ditch would be filled in with embankment and grassed. A new proposed ditch parallel to Madison Highway would be installed with rolled erosion control turf reinforcement matting to maintain a healthy ditch line with minimal erosion. This opens the airport to larger connected area for maintenance to access without going onto airfield pavement or safety areas as well. Overall, the future design/construction project includes earthwork, drainage improvements, and erosion control initiatives for the airfield. This project will also include CCTV video analysis of existing airfield storm water piping between Runway 18-36 and Taxiway A and south of Taxiway E near Runway 18-36.

Project Justification: The project will enhance safety to aircraft operations by addressing safety area surfaces and improving the airfield drainage.

Project Objective: Enhance Safety.

 

PFC Application

Local Cost: $18,000.00

Project Description:  The preparation and submission of PFC application for Valdosta Regional Airport will be completed.

Project Justification:  FAR Part 158.13(b) allows for PFC revenue to fund administrative costs associated with PFC application preparation

Project Objective:  To assist the airport sponsor in funding the local share of eligible airport improvement projects.

The proposed PFC charge authority effective date is August 1, 2025, with an estimated expiration date of April 30, 2029.  The amount to be collected is $444,890.  In accordance with 14 CFR Part 158.24, the airport invites the public to view the proposed PFC Application and provide comments until April 3, 2025. Details of the PFC application are available in the Airport manager’s office during business hours located at 1750 Airport Rd Suite 1, Valdosta, GA, or at www.flyvaldosta.com.

Comments on the proposed PFC Application should be addressed to:

Mr. Timothy Hood

Executive Director

Valdosta – Lowndes County Airport Authority

1750 Airport Road, Suite 1

Valdosta, Georgia 31601