To: Board of Supervisors
From: Aviation
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
License Agreement with EarthScope Consortium Regarding the Continued Operation and Maintenance of a Global Position System Station Located at the Rohnerville Airport for the Period of Oct. 20, 2026, through Oct. 20, 2036
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached license agreement with EarthScope Consortium regarding the continued operation and maintenance of the Global Position System located at Rohnerville Airport for the period of Oct. 20, 2026, through Oct. 20, 2036; and
2. Authorize the Director of Aviation, or designee, to execute any and all subsequent amendments to the attached license agreement with EarthScope Consortium, after review and approval by the County Administrative Office, County Counsel and Risk Management; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed electronic copy of the attached license agreement with EarthScope Consortium to the Department of Aviation for further processing.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
The County of Humboldt owns and operates the Rohnerville Airport located in Fortuna, California. In 2014, the Humboldt County Department of Public Works Real Property, entered into a license agreement with EarthScope Consortium, formally known as UNAVCO, Inc., which authorized the installation and operation of a Global Positioning System station and the Rohnerville Airport. The previous license agreement with UNAVCO, Inc. expired in 2017.
The Global Positioning System station located at the Rohnerville Airport is part of a regional geodetic monitoring network that measures subtle ground movements association with tectonic activity. The data collected helps monitor ground shifts that occur before, during and after earthquakes.
The operation and maintenance of the Global Positioning System located at the Rohnerville Airport does not interfere with county or airport operations and provides public benefit by supporting ongoing scientific research and earthquake monitoring. The attached license agreement with EarthScope Consortium will allow for the continued operation and maintenance of the Global Positioning System located at the Rohnerville Airport for the period of Oct. 20, 2026, through Oct. 20, 2036.
Accordingly, staff recommends that your Board approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached license agreement with EarthScope Consortium regarding the continued operation and maintenance of the Global Position System station located at the Rohnerville Airport for the period of Oct. 20, 2026, through Oct. 20, 2036. It is also recommended that your Board authorize the Director of Aviation or designee, to execute any and all subsequent amendments to the attached license agreement with EarthScope Consortium, after review and approval by the County Administrative Office, County Counsel and Risk Management, in order to avoid any unnecessary delays in the operation and maintenance of the Global Position System station at the Rohnerville Airport.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Rohnerville Airport Fund (3530-373)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no direct costs associated with the continued operation and maintenance of the Global Position System located at the Rohnerville Airport. The county will collect a $600 annual license fee that shall be adjusted by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) every year.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Approval of the attached license agreement will not impact current staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the attached license agreement with EarthScope Consortium regarding the continued operation and maintenance of the Global Position System located at the Rohnerville Airport. However, this alternative is not recommended as the continued operation and maintenance of the Global Position System station located at the Rohnerville Airport does not interfere with County or airport operations, provides an added revenue source and has a public benefit of supporting ongoing scientific research and earthquake monitoring.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. License Agreement with EarthScope Consortium Regarding the Continued Operation and Maintenance of the Global Position System Station Located at the Rohnerville Airport.
2. License Agreement with UNAVCO, Dated Oct. 28, 2014, Regarding the Operation and Maintenance of the Global Position System Located at the Rohnerville Airport.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: None
File No.: None