To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Steve Madrone and
Supervisor Rex Bohn
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution Affirming Support for the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) to Host the Rumble Over the Redwoods Airshow
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the attached resolution affirming support for the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) to host the Rumble Over the Redwoods Airshow.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
N/A
DISCUSSION:
Rumble Over the Redwoods, a pending non-profit company based out of ACV and established by a locally owned Humboldt County business of more than 150 years, has established one of the largest collections of historical aircraft in California, and throughout the United States. These historical aircraft are primarily from the World War II (WWII) era of aviation, including some with battle history, serving as training aircraft for pilots and/or having air racing history. These aircraft have previously been featured in numerous airshows and aviation events in California and other states.
The Rumble Over the Redwoods, a pending non-profit entity, has asked for the Board of Supervisors’ support in hosting the inaugural Rumble Over the Redwoods airshow at the ACV Airport on August 10 and 11, 2024. This support would entail collaboration with the Department of Aviation administrative staff to assist in planning and organizing the event.
The Department of Aviation is supportive of this effort as it will bring the community together in unprecedented ways for an exciting and educational insight into the history of aviation and highlight opportunities for youth in Humboldt to become a part of the aviation industry. Additionally, the Department of Aviation has historically not been allocated a marketing budget due to overall financial constraints of the Department and the County of Humboldt. By supporting an airshow, the ACV would likely increase positive recognition and increase visibility amongst the Humboldt Community and attract visitors from outside the region.
Further, in the wake of the security regulations enacted following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the accessibility of the ACV airport to the public, particularly local youth, has diminished. This has limited their ability to engage closely with aircraft, explore aviation history, and uncover the diverse opportunities offered by the aviation industry both within the community and as a potential career path. Hosting an airshow can help remove regulatory barriers and reopen the accessibility of the local aviation industry to the local youth as well as the general public.
The Rumble Over the Redwoods has procured a leading airshow manager in the United States to assist in planning and organizing this event. The airshow manager, Mr. Dennis Dunbar, has previous experience in managing the EAA Oshkosh Airventure and SUN ‘n FUN. These airshows are two of the most attended in the United States. Additionally, Mr. Dunbar helped start, and continues to help operate, the California Capitol Airshow held annually in the Sacramento, California area. The Rumble Over the Redwoods and Mr. Dunbar have worked to obtain commitments for some of the most prominent airshow performers in the aviation industry to attend the first ever Rumble Over the Redwoods Airshow.
After consultation with the Rumble Over the Redwoods, pending non-profit entity, and Mr. Dunbar concerning this proposed airshow, Rumble over the Redwoods, and in considering the benefits a special event such as this one could provide to the County of Humboldt’s general public, the Department of Aviation is in general support of holding this special event.
Due to the complexity of hosting a special event such as this one, it is appropriate to request the Board of Supervisors pass a resolution of support for the development of the first ever Rumble Over the Redwoods Airshow provided that local, state and federal laws are complied with in the planning and hosting of this event. The Department of Aviation plans to bring an Agenda Item before your board in the upcoming months to establish a license contract with Rumble Over the Redwoods, pending non-profit entity, for use of ACV grounds. This item will include consideration and action on more detailed plans, studies, as well as approval of any necessary temporary road closures, non-exclusively.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is expected to be no financial expenses, or revenues, for the Department of Aviation in hosting this event at ACV. Additionally, there will be no anticipated impacts to airline operations on the days of the airshow events as the Department of Aviation is coordinating in advance with airline operators, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
There is expected to be increased tax revenue generation, specifically sales tax revenues and lodging tax revenues, for the County of Humboldt through the purchase of hotel rooms, meals and other associated purchases by patrons of the airshow. Because this event is a first of its kind to be hosted in Humboldt, specific revenue increases are unknown.
STAFFING IMPACT:
The Department of Aviation administrative team are prepared to allocate an estimated 20 hours per week to support the coordination of Rumble Over the Redwoods Airshow. Allocated staff time is not a financial impact, as stated above. These hours will not impede on administrative staff’s normal tasks for leading the six County airports.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Framework.
Core Roles: N/A
New Initiatives: Foster transparent, accessible, welcoming and user friendly services
Strategic Plan: 3.1 - Improve the economy of Humboldt County
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
County of Humboldt, Sheriff’s Office
County of Humboldt, Public Works
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose to not support the development of Rumble Over the Redwoods Airshow. This option is not advisable due to the many benefits an event like this could have on the Humboldt County Community.
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft Resolution - AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE CALIFORNIA REDWOOD COAST-HUMBOLDT COUNTY AIRPORT (ACV) TO HOST THE RUMBLE OVER THE REDWOODS AIRSHOW
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A