Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Vehicle Purchase and Building  Modifications

The ability to rapidly mobilize and respond to emergencies on the airfield is a key role of the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) unit. In early 2015, JNU began planning for replacement of its aging ARFF fleet and determined that one of its two vehicles, at 22 years old, was particularly difficult and costly to maintain/repair.

New Rosenboauer Panther ARFF Vehicle

When evaluating replacement options for the old ARFF vehicle, JNU considered efficiency and emissions output. New ARFF trucks are built for faster acceleration on a lighter weight body. They burn less fuel per gallon and meet contemporary EPA air emissions standards, both desirable attributes.

JNU went out to bid for a new vehicle and, in spring 2016, purchased a Rosenbauer Panther at a cost of approximately $650,000. JNU’s need and justification for a new ARFF truck made it eligible for FAA funding at 93.75% of the total cost.

New Rosenbauer Panther ARFF vehicle.   During the scoping process it became apparent that the existing storage bays in the ARFF building were undersized and would need to be remodeled to accommodate the new, larger vehicle. After examining a number of design options, a preferred option emerged that entailed modifying existing bays to create taller, deeper and longer ones, slightly expanding the footprint of the building.

East corner of new south wall.

The building design team included:

• Jensen Yorba Lott, Inc. – architecture;
• PND Engineers, Inc. – civil and structural engineering;
• Murray & Associates, P.C.(now PDC Engineers)  – mechanical engineering; and
• Begenyi Engineering, LLC – electrical engineering.

Dawson Construction is the contractor. The construction team includes local sub-contractors and laborers. The building modifications will cost approximately $1.8 million. 93.75% of the total construction cost is eligible for reimbursement through an FAA grant.

Demolition of the old bays began in October and construction is now underway. Project completion is anticipated by the end of June 2017.