1

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

2

John van WoenselDirector of Airport PlanningCH2M HILLjohn.vanwoensel@ch2m.comMark R. ClarkSr. Aviation PlannerBuffalo Niagara International Airport

Project Formulation/Definition—Why, When, and How?

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

3

EXTRA –EXTRA read all about it

“Airport tries twice to build Air Cargo Hanger, both murdered by

poor project formulation”

Air Cargo DevelopmentMurder Scene #1

Air Cargo DevelopmentMurder Scene #2

Air Traffic Control Tower

Option 1Option 2 Tower line of site

- Line of Site- Obstructs GA aircraft movement- Require closure of 10R/28L- Land-locks Army hanger- Truck access/egress roadway

- Expansion could require GA relocation- Relocation of Taxiway C necessary for access to 6/24- North/South Taxiway C requires 75’ width to use- Group V aircraft needs 160’ of separation to Taxiway C centerline- Group VI aircraft needs 193’ of separation to Taxiway C centerline- OFA and RSA encroachment to (N/S)Taxiway C

Tax. “C” OFA68’ from edge

Tax. “C” RSA34’ from edge

Option 1 issues- Creek relocation - Impossible- Creek bridging – too expensive- Major Army Corps. permit issues

Option 2 issues

Agenda

In this session, we will:• Define project formulation/definition• Explain why it is a needed step in the project implementation

process• Assess when it should occur and how it can be packaged• Discuss what is typically contained in a project formulation• Recognize the challenges to overcome• Summarize key message

5

Project formulation is called out as a separate step in ACC/FAA Best Practices, 2008

6

Project Formulation in the Project Implementation

Lifecycle

Airport MasterPlan

NEPA

Engineering Design

Financial Justification

Construction

Ready.. Set… Go!

Project Formulation

7

What is Project Formulation, a Basic

DefinitionDefining Project formulation:• An early project implementation phase that describes specific

projects to be implemented in sufficient detail for subsequent implementation phases

• Takes place before engineering design and NEPA, but can be packaged different ways

• Must include explanation of why the project is needed and why it was selected over other options

8

Why is Project Formulation Needed?

Reasons Project Formulation is needed:• Needed to avoid surprises or delays due to dated project drivers,

insufficient detail, or incomplete information for the next step in the implementation process

• MPU serves to reserve space/airspace by making decisions about what may be needed, where and when, and what should move forward in the near term; typical MPU is not part of project implementation

• MPU plans many projects that might be needed over a 20-year horizon, typical MPU does not look at every project in detail

9

Why is Project Formulation Needed?-cntd

More reasons:• The MPU preserves flexibility by assuming projects will undergo

change prior to implementation, considers general cost for comparison purposes; typical MPU does not include preliminary engineering detail or detailed cost estimates (AACE Class 3)

• The MPU does identify known environmental resources; typical MPU does not consider all resource categories

Common misconception: having a recent MPU or ALP means the that airport is ready to start NEPA or

Design

10

What is Project Formulation, an Expanded

DefinitionTypical contents of project formulation effort:• Most important: describe the justification of the project (include what

happens if the project does not happen)– Example: taxiway exit location ( engineers: “Let’s move it 200 feet

to avoid the underground utilities”)• Describe Project in Sufficient Detail for subsequent phase-- exhibits,

preliminary engineering-level of detail, including cost estimate• List dependencies: enabling or subsequent projects• Update dated information, such as the forecast, or tenant needs• For NEPA: include disturbed area, major drainage changes, required

actions by others• For engineering design: include site context (operational, security,

environmental restrictions), what can and cannot change, applicable regulations and codes

Next To Last Slide 11

Project Formulation Challenges

The need for this session-- Project Formulation:• Is the industry’s best kept secret• Falls between several disciplines (silos)• Planners assume it will occur later• Environmental planners and Engineers assume it exists and will be

provided to them• Sponsors do not generally see it as a separate step, assume it will

be included in planning, environmental planning or engineering• Sponsors may suffer from “planning fatigue” causing focus shift to

implementation/action rather than “MORE planning?@#!!”

Skipping Project Formulation as a sponsor-controlled deliberate step, is a common reason for delays in

NEPA

Last Slide 12

Take away from today’s Discussion

Key points:• Recognize formulation as a needed step SOMEWHERE in the

implementation process• Include formulation step in CIP, schedule, scope, next steps• Consider bolstering MPU scope to minimize need for formulation

– Environmental inventory– Requirements/capacity analysis that supports P&N– Alternatives analysis that can withstand scrutiny– ALP chapter that describes individual projects

Consultants: can it be added to your MPU scope? FAA/Sponsor: is a formulation step included

SOMEWHERE in the overall implementation strategy?

CASE SOLVED !!!

13