Stockton, CA – Today, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors approved two items that will bring much needed improvements to Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK). The Board approved $117,000 funding for the airport to study up to three alternatives to update its existing air carrier terminal building. The Board also retroactively approved nearly $2.5 million in grant funding for the Cargo Taxilane Rehabilitation Project.
SCK’s current air carrier terminal building is more than sixty years old. Over the years, some basic mechanical systems of the building have been repaired, but the layout and functionality of the building has gone essentially unchanged. In addition, aircraft size and passenger load has increased and the way airlines use airport facilities has substantially changed since the 1960s. The existing building must be updated to successfully meet the needs of air carriers who wish to grow the airline market at SCK. The study will review three alternative ways to update the current airline terminal building to meet forecast air carrier needs for the next five to ten years.
Additionally, SCK staff observed pavement degradation in certain areas of the Cargo Taxilane such as cracking, buckling, and rutting in the cargo aircraft wheel paths. Aircraft loads on the pavement are heavier than originally forecasted 20 years ago during engineering specification and design. The Cargo Taxilane Rehabilitation Project will provide a safer operating environment by replacing significantly deteriorating pavement, reducing the risk of foreign object debris, and improving surface drainage.
“This funding will help attract prospective airline carriers and cargo operators to our region and contribute to jobs, economic development, and overall quality of life,” said Robert Rickman, Chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. “These actions will set in motion the long-term vision of what we want our airport to be. The Board is unanimous in saying that the airport is a crown jewel here in San Joaquin County and it is our priority to make sure it has all the tools it needs to succeed.”
The Board also authorized Behavioral Health Services (BHS) to accept over $14.3 million in Behavioral Health Bridge Housing grant funding for various housing projects throughout San Joaquin County. The primary purpose of the funding is to address the treatment and housing needs of justice-involved severely mentally ill individuals. It also aims to prevent clinical deterioration and reduce unnecessary incarcerations or institutionalizations.
In addition, the Board authorized the transfer of $5,380,000 one-time funding from the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund to finance operations of shelters that are currently operated by the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless by St. Mary’s Dining Room. When the County and the City of Stockton learned in July that the Shelter would close permanently in mid-August they set to work to develop a management transition of shelter operations in coordination with St. Mary’s Dining Room (SMDR) in an effort to keep individuals housed. Due to a $10.7 million funding shortfall over the next three years in the operational plan, the County and the City of Stockton are each committing $5.38 million over the next three years to fund shelter operations.
“Use of these ARPA funds for this purpose are a great way to use these one-time dollars for the most benefit without impacting the County’s overall budget. With their talented staff and excellent track record, we have the utmost confidence in St. Mary’s taking over this project. It is just another prime example of the County, the City, and non-profits working together to get things done,” Rickman concluded.
###
