The Houston Airport System recommends that City Council approve an ordinance authorizing the execution of an interlocal agreement with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service by and through its Wildlife Services Unit for a five-year (5) term in an amount not to exceed $717,158.00 for wildlife hazard management services at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU) and Ellington (EFD) Airports.
Specific Explanation:
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) completed Wildlife Hazard Assessments (WHA) of the IAH, HOUS and EFD Airports between 2011-2012. Subsequent to the WHA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommended that Wildlife Hazard Mitigation Plans (WHMP) be developed and implemented in partnership with Certified Airport Wildlife Biologists. Wildlife Hazard Mitigation Plans (WHMP) were developed and established for IAH, HOU and EFD Airpots in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139.
On May 28, 2014, City Council approved a two-year (2) agreement with the Texas A&M Extension Service by and through its Wildlife Services Unit to provide two (2) certified wildlife biologists to provide training to airport personnel and work to reduce wildlife hazards at our three airports. This partnership has been instrumental in reducing the wildlife hazards at the airports.
A new long-term agreement would continue the success of the partnership and ensure continuous compliance with FFA and USDA requirements.