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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 162 (Tuesday, August 21, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 50544]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20478]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

Notice of Release From Federal Surplus Property and Grant 
Assurance Obligations at Porterville Municipal Airport, Porterville, CA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of request to release airport land.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to rule and 
invites public comment on the application for a release of 
approximately 26 acres of airport property at the Porterville Municipal 
Airport (Airport), Porterville, California from all conditions 
contained in the Surplus Property Deed and Grant Assurances because the 
parcel of land is not needed for airport purposes. The land requested 
to be released is located at the southwest corner of the airport and 
distant from the airfield. The land had previously been set aside as 
mitigation for a kit fox preserve, which prevented any airport activity 
on the property. The wildlife designation was recently eliminated 
allowing the City of Porterville (City) to acquire the property at its 
fair market value, thereby serving the interest of civil aviation. It 
will be developed for another purpose compatible with the airport and 
the new use will not interfere with the airport or its operation.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 20, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Comments on the request may be mailed 
or delivered to the FAA at the following address: Robert Lee, Airports 
Compliance Specialist, Federal Aviation Administration, San Francisco 
Airports District Office, Federal Register Comment, 1000 Marina 
Boulevard, Suite 220, Brisbane, CA 94005. In addition, one copy of the 
comment submitted to the FAA must be mailed or delivered to Mr. Bradley 
D. Dunlap, Community Development Director, 291 N. Main Street, 
Porterville, CA 93257.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Wendell H. Ford 
Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21), 
Public Law 106-181 (Apr. 5, 2000; 114 Stat. 61), this notice must be 
published in the Federal Register 30 days before the Secretary may 
waive any condition imposed on a federally obligated airport by surplus 
property conveyance deeds or grant agreements.
    The following is a brief overview of the request:
    The City of Porterville, California requested a release from 
Federal surplus property and grant assurance obligations for 
approximately 26 acres of airport land to allow for its sale. The 
property was originally acquired pursuant to the Surplus Property Act 
of 1944 and was deeded to the City of Porterville on June 16, 1948. The 
parcel of land is located some distance from the airfield in the 
southwest corner of the airport; outside of the airport fence line; 
east of the secondary access road; and north of Teapot Dome Avenue. Due 
to its location and undeveloped condition, the property cannot be 
readily used and will not be needed for airport purposes.
    The property had been set aside as part of a 40-acre kit fox 
preserve and could not be used for any other purpose. Based on 
biological surveys in 2005 and 2006, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
determined that the preserve site was no longer needed. By purchasing 
conservation credits, the City of Porterville was able to obtain an 
amendment to the 1990 Biological Opinion that established the kit fox 
preserve in order to eliminate the wildlife designation. The land was 
never used for airport purposes and is not needed for future airport 
use. The City of Porterville will acquire the property and use 
approximately 16 acres for City related purposes and future 
development. The City will compensate the Airport fund for the fair 
market value of the land.
    The sale price of the parcel will be based on an appraisal of its 
fair market value. The sales proceeds are being devoted to airport 
operations and capital projects. The reuse of the property will not 
interfere with the airport or its operation, thereby serving the 
interests of civil aviation.

    Issued in Brisbane, California, on August 13, 2012.
Robin K. Hunt,
Manager, San Francisco Airports District Office, Western-Pacific 
Region.
[FR Doc. 2012-20478 Filed 8-20-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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