AI- 797
3.
Special / Executive Session Board of Supervisors Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 06/05/2012
- Title:
- Resolution supporting ACA to attract UAS development in Benson
- Submitted By:
- Kim Lemons, Board of Supervisors
- Department:
- Board of Supervisors
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Document Signatures:
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Richard Searle
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Chairman
Mandated Function?:
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
[NOTE: This item will be heard in Open Session.] Adopt Resolution 12-16 to support the effort of the Arizona Commerce Authority to attract and locate an FAA National Test Range at the Benson Municipal Airport in Benson, Arizona, for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) development.
Background:
Under terms of the National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law Dec. 30, 2011, the Federal Aviation Administration must undertake a pilot study of how best to integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System by establishing six test range sites across the country. Those sites must be selected by June 27, 2012 (180 days from passage). The first airworthiness certificate issued by the FAA permitting an unmanned aircraft to operate at a public-use airport that serves general aviation was issued in March 2007 for an unmanned aircraft at Benson Municipal Airport and, due to weather conditions and other factors, the location appears to be an optimal site for location of an FAA UAS test range. Such a designation is expected to draw substantial economic resources to the County, in the form of high-paying jobs and new development to accommodate the influx of workers.
The Benson community has been working to respond to an RFI solicited by the Arizona Commerce Authority who will in turn respond to the RFI from FAA. This resolution from the BOS will be included in Benson’s response to the RFI.
Staff recommends the BOS adopt Resolution 12-16.
The Benson community has been working to respond to an RFI solicited by the Arizona Commerce Authority who will in turn respond to the RFI from FAA. This resolution from the BOS will be included in Benson’s response to the RFI.
Staff recommends the BOS adopt Resolution 12-16.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
NA
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
Cochise County will not show formal support for the City’s proposal for Benson’s airport to be considered as a UAS testing range.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Staff will send a copy of the signed resolution to the City of Benson for inclusion in their response to the RFI.