Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 1493 - Joint Resolution - City, & Airport Board - Opposition To Closing Of LIA FFSS - 09/22/1983RESOLUTION 1493 - 9/22/83 V�� C�c �Q JMS:js JOINT RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK, TEXAS, AND THE AIRPORT BOARD OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK, TEXAS, EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO THE CLOSING OF THE FEDERAL FLIGHT SERVICE STATION AT THE LUBBOCK INTERNA- TIONAL AIRPORT AND THE CONSOLIDATION OF ITS OPERATION INTO A REMOTE AUTOMATED FLIGHT SERVICE STATION TO BE LOCATED AT MEACHAM FIELD IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS. WHEREAS, the Lubbock International Airport is currently served by the Federal Aviation Administration's Flight Service Station which monitors navigational aids and provides radio communications, flight plan coordi- nation, weather briefings and other services vital to the safety and convenience of local air travelers; and WHEREAS, the Federal Aviation Administration has announced plans to consolidate more than 317 Federal Flight Service Stations into 61 automated flight service stations; and WHEREAS, this consolidation will likely result in the closing of the Federal Aviation Administration's Flight Service Station now located at the Lubbock International Airport, and the consolidation of the operations currently conducted at Lubbock into a remote automated flight service station to be located at Meacham Field in Fort Worth, Texas; and WHEREAS, the site chosen for the Automated Flight Service Station was chosen solely on the basis of the best competitive bid rather than on the basis of providing the best flight safety services; and WHEREAS, the closing of the Lubbock Flight Service Station would have an adverse effect on flight safety in and around the Lubbock area because of the necessity of having informed and trained people who are familiar with local climatology and terrain to gather and interpret weather infor- mation; and WHEREAS, the local employees of the Lubbock Flight Service Station are familiar with local air traffic patterns, local terrain, local weather conditions and the inherent dangers to aviation in the Lubbock Flight Plan Area, and the local station can therefore better serve aviation in this area than can a remote facility; and WHEREAS, the Lubbock Flight Service Station formerly served an area extending from Muleshoe, Texas, on the west to Floydada, Texas, on the north, to Jayton, Texas, on the east and to Denver City, Texas, on the south perimeter of the Lubbock flight plan area and currently serves the Shallowater, Slaton, Lubbock Town and Country and Lubbock International Airports; and WHEREAS, the Lubbock Flight Service Station generates a local payroll of approximately $218,000 to the benefit of the Lubbock area; and WHEREAS, numerous general aviation aircraft and commercial aircraft traverse the Lubbock Flight Plan Area and use the services of the Lubbock Flight Service Station; and WHEREAS, the closing of the Lubbock Flight Service Station would have an adverse impact on the general aviation industry in the Lubbock area and on the local economy of the entire South Plains region; NOW THEREFORE: BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK AND THE LUBBOCK AIRPORT BOARD ACTING JOINTLY HEREIN: THAT the Mayor and the City Council of Lubbock, Texas, and the Lubbock Airport Board do hereby express their opposition to the closing of the Federal Aviation Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and the relocation of its operations to the remote automated Flight Service Station in Fort Worth, Texas; THAT the Mayor and the City Counc Airport Board do hereby jointly urge t officials to reconsider their plan and Service Station as a Satellite Flight facility and to provide weather radar Lubbock Flight Service Station; and it of Lubbock, Texas and the Lubbock he Federal Aviation Administration to maintain the Lubbock Flight Service Station to the Fort Worth and automated equipment at the THAT the City Secretary of the City of Lubbock be and is hereby directed to mail a certified copy of this Resolution to Senators Bentson and Tower, to Congressman Kent Hance, to Senator John Montford, to repre- sentatives Froy Salinas and Nolan Robnett, to C.A. (Clay) Wilkins, Execu- tive Director of Texas Aeronautics Commission, to James M. Johnson, Chairman of Texas Aeronautics Commission, to Elizabeth Dole, Secretary of Transportation, to J. Lynn Helms, Administrator, Federal Aviation Admini- stration, to James Chandler, Lubbock Area Coordinator, Federal Aviation Administration and to Lee Holmes, Air Traffic Manager, Lubbock Flight Service Station. Passed by the City Council this 22nd day of Septemter , 1983. ATTEST: velyn Ga fga City Secretary -Treasurer APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: Marvin Coffee Director of Aviation APPROVED AS TO FORM: an Sherwin sistant City Attorney A N HENRY, AOR City of Lubbock, yTT -s E. Jao1K Brown, City Councilman Cit ve bbock, Texas u er n, City Councilman City of Lubbock, Texas an a er, City Councilwoman City of Lubbock, Texas LUBBOCK AIRPORT BOARD Lynn Kowan, unalrm n Lubbock Airport Bodbd A ac & �_ C� �� w . t �► JI Aisen Salinas, Secretary -Treasurer Lubbock Airport Board 0 orkey, Board MqV&r Lwlibock AirpArt BoarA Mary Beh 5cull, Board Member Lubbock Airport Board Tom Butcher, Vice -Chairman Lubbock Airport Board Lloyd Croslin, Board Member Lubbock Aio ard.i Lubbock Amort Board er a US. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Ms. Evelyn Gaffga City Secretary City of Lubbock P.O. Box 2000 Lubbock, Texas 79457 Dear Ms. Gaffga: JAN 27 9984 800 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20591 This is in response to your letters of October 3, 1983, to Administrator Helms and Secretary Dole concerning the proposed closure of the Lubbock Flight Service Station (FSS). As you know, the proposed consolidation and closure of the existing FSS's, including the Lubbock facility, are part of the FSS Modernization Plan which was approved by the Congress in 1980, and funds appropriated for its implementation since 1981. These consolidations are an integral part of the approved plan for the commissioning of the automated facilities, and will assure that the required equipment and personnel are properly distrib- uted to meet the existing and forecasted activity of the next two decades. Nearly 8 years of study, analysis, evaluation, and appraisal have gone into the program to ensure future needs of the aviation community can be met within the tax program they are willing to pay. We are confident that the consolidation of personnel and services from Lubbock into the Fort Worth facility will not derogate safety. For example, aviation weather observations will continue where they are now provided. The existing air -ground communications system will remain in place, except that control will be provided from a different location. The FSS specialists will continue to be trained and certified regarding their knowledge and ability to provide service to those areas. When the automation system is in place, local pilots should notice a significant improvement in quality and timeliness of the service, including improved access to the system. The majority of FSS's today provide a significant amount of service to locations other than the airport with which they are associated. Further- more, recent surveys indicate that approximately 95 percent of FSS services are conducted via telephone. It becomes apparent that physical location is of small significance as long as good telephone service is available and millions of dollars will be wasted if we do not make use of new telecommuni- cations and processing technologies. An expansion of the modernized FSS configuration beyond the 61 facilities would be contrary to the plan approved by Congress and would require Edward Warren: First American Aloft .0- 2 additional capital investment. The staffing required to support additional facilities would increase the cost per service to the pilot and the cost of the Government to the Nation's taxpayers. When the Lubbock FSS eventually closes, the economic impact on the local area will be limited only to the transfer of Federal employees to the Fort Worth area. However, the consolidation of functions and personnel allows us to reduce the tax burden on a national scale and still meet the increasing demand for aviation services anticipated in the next two decades. As a courtesy, we have provided Senators Bentsen and Tower and Represen- tative Hance a copy of this correspondence. "o -!5 lliw 01/ Sincerely, J. n Vuren Assoc ate Administrator for Air Traffic M ed;.. 9� „f .,r 4; 1�{e {fit PJO is i[iJYt^ 1 ry O F= l_ V ES ESQ C K t CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER October 3, 1983 762-6411 P. O. Box 2000 LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79457 Mr. Lee Holmes Manager, Flight Service Station Route #3, Box 52 Lubbock, Texas 79401 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution of City Council and Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Station, Lubbock, Texas Dear Mr. Holmes: Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure '_ c -loll�' =�'�tdliEi .1 ed;.. 9� „f .,r 4; 1�{e {fit PJO is i[iJYt^ 1 ry O F= l_ V ES ESQ C K t CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER October 3, 1983 762-6411 P. O. Box 2000 LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79457 Mr. Lee Holmes Manager, Flight Service Station Route #3, Box 52 Lubbock, Texas 79401 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution of City Council and Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Station, Lubbock, Texas Dear Mr. Holmes: Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure e--ter'-�":.."'_ec:—»'�' �Z7f�•�•'£��.-�'; CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER CITY QF= l,IBBQCK October 3, 1983 Mr. James Chandler Manager, Lubbock Facility Sector Route #3,. Box 52 Lubbock, Texas 79401 762-6411 P. O. Box 2000 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution AirportBoard Re Federal Flight Service Texas Dear Mr. Chandler: LUBBOCK. TEXAS 79457 of City Council and Station, Lubbock, Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER October 3, 1983 OF= t_UBBQCK- 762-6411 P. O. Box 2000 LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79457 Mr. J. Lynn Helms, Administrator Federal Aviation Administration National Headquarters 800 Independence Avenue SW , Washington, D. C. 20591 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution of City Council and Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Station, Lubbock, Texas Dear Mr. Helms: Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the --- Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER CITY Q�` LUB80CK October 3, 1983 762-6411 P. O, Box 2000 LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79457 Ms. Elizabeth Dole Secretary of Transportation 400 Seventh Street, SW Washington, D. C. 20590 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution of City Council and Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Station, Lubbock, Texas Dear Madam Secretary: Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure �,,...+�..;, s«war •wr _ �� �+ Maryr ' C1TY O� L_U BBOCK f. CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER October 3, 1983 Mr. James M. Johnson, Chairman Texas Aeronautics Commission P. 0. Box 12607, Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711 762-6411 P. O. Box 2000 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Texas Dear Mr. Johnson: LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79457 of City Council and Station, Lubbock, Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER October 3, 1983 Mr. C. A. (Clay) Wilkins Executive Director Texas Aeronautics Commission P. 0. Box 12607, Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711 A OF LUBEa Pec 762-6411 P. O. Box 2000 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Texas Dear Mr. Wilkins: LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79457 of City Council and Station, Lubbock, Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing.of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the -- Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure Ak rAA 121 RMT1 i I i I I 762-6411 CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER P. O. Box 2000 October 3, 1983 The Honorable John Montford State Senator P. 0. Box 1709 Lubbock, Texas'79408 LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79457 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution of City Council and Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Station, Lubbock, Texas Dear Senator Montford: Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER October 3, 1983 The Honorable Froy Salinas State Representative Court Place Building Lubbock, Texas 79401 Mupy Ot�= VBBQCK� 762-6411 P. O. Box 2000 LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79457 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution of City Council and Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Station, Lubbock, Texas Dear Representative Salinas: Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure 15009 W;j 11 CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER C1TY O= L-LJBBCQCK October 3, 1983 762-6411 P. 0. Box 2000 LUBBOCK. TEXAS 79457 The Honorable Nolan (Buzz) Robnett State Representative 2222 Indiana Lubbock, Texas 79401 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution of City Council and Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Station, Lubbock, Texas Dear Representative Robnett: Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this.matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER I CITY ;OF= Lt JBEBOCK October 3, 1983 762-6411 P. O. Box 2000 LUBBOCK. TEXAS 79457 The Honorable Kent Hance U. S. House of Representatives Washington, D. C. 20500 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution of City Council and Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Station, Lubbock, Texas Dear Congressman Hance: Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure .r xP ♦ 1��� .S� y "F S1 SR��....�s 4 �: a 81. MI i ; CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER October 3, 1983 762-6411 P. O. Box 2000 The Honorable John Tower U. S. Senate Washington, D. C. 20510 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Texas Dear Senator Tower: LUBBOCK, TEXAS 78457 of City Council and Station, Lubbock, Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure _ � 4 T Y O I' t_ U E EES K~ 762-6411 CITY SECRETARY -TREASURER P. O. Box 2000 LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79457 October 3, 1983 The Honorable Lloyd Bentsen U. S. Senate Washington, D. C. 20510 RE: RESOLUTION No. 1493 - Joint Resolution of City Council and Airport Board Re Federal Flight Service Station, Lubbock, Texas Dear Senator Bentsen: Pursuant to City Council action on September 22, 1983, enclosed herewith to you is a certified copy of the above referenced Reso- lution, expressing opposition to the closing of the Federal Flight Service Station at the Lubbock International Airport and its re- location in the Fort Worth Area. The closing of the referenced Station would have a direct impact on the regional economy of the South Plains area, and the Council and the Airport Board respectfully requests reconsideration of this matter. Sincerely, EVELYN GAFFGA, CMC City Secretary Enclosure JOHN TOWER TEXAS COMMITTEES: ARMED SERVICES '� cnffeb ,$fofe� .donate CHAIRMAN BANKING. HOUSING, AND URBAN AFFAIRS WASHINGTON, D.C. 20$10 BUDGET October 14, 1983 Ms. Evelyn Gaffga Post Office Box 2000 Lubbock, Texas 79457 /faN, ,f f3 Dear Ms. Gaffga: Thank you for contacting me regarding the Lubbock Flight Service Station. eTATE OFFICES: 981 FEDERAL BuiLDINO AusTIN 78701 1100 COMMERCE STREET LLAS DA75242 515 RUSK STREET HDusToN 77002 1001 MAIN STREET LuesocK 79401 In an effort to be of service, I have advised the appropriate officials of my interest in this matter and have requested their assistance. As soon as I receive an official reply, I will let you know. I appreciate the confidence you have expressed by calling on me and I hope my inquiry will be helpful. With best wishes, I remain Sincerely yours, John Tower JT/ybs Cb 00"* �,� &�j �6 AQ�rOPJ -�- 0 C7 Yr- W�� 1AV 41W� JOHN TOWER TEXAS COMMITTEES: ARMED SERv10E1 'Wnueb ziaiez zenaie CHAIRMAN BANKING. HOUSING. AND URBAN A"AIRS WASHINGTON. D.C. 20510 BUDGET October 21, 1983 Ms. Evelyn Gaffga Post Office Box 2000 Lubbock, Texas 79457 Dear Ms. Gaffga: STATE OFFICE91 961 FEDERAL Buu„Dtwc AumN 71701 1100 COMMERCE STREET DALLAS 75242 $15 Rusx STREET HousTom 77002 1001 MAIN STRCET Lussocic 79401 I have now received an official reply to my inquiry in your behalf. For your convenience, a copy of that communication is enclosed. Of course, although the enclosure is selftexplanatory, I welcome any questions or comments you may have at this time. With best wishes, I remain Sincerely yours, John Tower JT/ybs Enclosure ROCT 1983 retC/Fy Sfc'VE7 V. a �1 US. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration OCT 18 1983 The Honorable John Tower United States Senator 961 Federal Building 300 E..8th Street Austin, TX 78701 Dear Senator Tower: Southwest Region Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas P.O. Box 1689 4400 Blue Mound Road Fort Worth, Texas 76101 This is in response to your letter dated October•14, 1983, concerning the Lubbock Flight Service Station (FSS). 'The consolidation and -eventual closure.of the Lubbock FSS are part of the FSS Modernization Plan which was approved by Congress in 1980 and funds appropriated in 1981, 1982, and 1983 to implement the program. The plan provides for the consolidation of existing facilities into 61 Automated Flight Service. Stations (AFSS). These automated facilities will allow for a more effective use of resources, offer direct user access, increase the timeliness and accuracy of information provided to the pilot, and enhance aviation safety. Also, it allows us to reduce to a more efficient level of staffing and, therefore, a more cost efficient FSS system. We understand your concern regarding the services now provided by the Lubbock FSS; however, the eventual consolidation will not compromise aviation safety. For instance, the existing air -ground communications system will remain in place except that control will be provided from the Fort Worth automated facility. FSS specialists will continue to be trained and certified regarding their knowledge and ability to serve the Lubbock area.. Basically, the pilot should not.notice any change in the type of service. There will, however,.be a significant improvement in the quality and timeliness of that service. Thank you for your interest in this matter. incerely, , r Acting Director Enclosure�� Transmitted Correspondence �C Senator Tower's Washington Office,``4'Pi'