PILLAR: Growing
AGENDA DATE: September 9, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 6
DEPARTMENT: Department of Aviation
PRIORITY: Infrastructure
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) acceptance of a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program for the federal share of the eligible capital improvement project for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at Dallas Love Field (Grant No. 3-48-0062-077-2026, Assistance Listing No. 20.106) in the amount of $151,050.00 to acquire and install up to 55 approved Vehicle Movement Area Transmitter units where the performance period shall be four years from the date of acceptance; (2) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $151,050.00 in the FY26 FAA AIP Non-Competitive Discretionary Supplemental Grant Fund; (3) receipt and deposit of grant funds in an amount not to exceed $151,050.00 in the FY26 FAA AIP Non-Competitive Discretionary Supplemental Grant Fund; and (4) execution of the grant agreement with FAA and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $151,050.00 - Financing: FY26 FAA AIP Non-Competitive Discretionary Supplemental Grant Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provides approximately $15 billion in federal funding for airport infrastructure improvements nationwide. Eligible projects include runway and taxiway improvements, airport safety and sustainability initiatives, terminal improvements, airport-transit connections, and roadway projects.
The Department of Aviation (DOA) has been notified of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) intent to award an Airport Improvement Program grant, funded through the BIL, to acquire and install up to 55 approved Vehicle Movement Area Transmitter (VMAT) units on dedicated, airport-owned ground support equipment at Dallas Love Field (DAL). The project will equip 29 Airfield Maintenance vehicles, 14 Dallas Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicles, and ten Airport Operations vehicles that routinely operate within the active movement areas of the airfield.
This project directly supports the FAA’s Surface Awareness Initiative and Safety Call to Action objectives, which are focused on improving surface safety and achieving zero serious close calls on airport movement areas. Integrating VMAT transponders into the airport’s vehicle fleet will enable real-time vehicle location and call-sign identification to be displayed within the active Air Traffic Control tower. This enhanced visibility will provide air traffic controllers and airfield personnel with improved situational awareness of vehicle activity on the airfield and help reduce the risk of runway incursions and other surface safety events under all weather and operating conditions.
Acceptance of the grant will allow DOA to implement this important safety enhancement at DAL and further strengthen the airport’s surface movement safety capabilities.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
FY26 FAA AIP Non-Competitive Discretionary Supplemental Grant Fund |
$0.00 |
$151,050.00 |
$0.00 |