5.11 Land Acquisition Process

Airports may need to acquire land, either fee simple or easement, for a development project or to promote land use compatibility. Certain land acquisition projects are eligible for federal grants; however, federal real property acquisition and relocation regulations must be strictly adhered to and are defined in the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act.

FAA Central Region Checklist for Typical AIP Land Acquisition Projects
Provides a basic outline of the steps required in a typical Airport Improvement Program (AIP) land acquisition project.

FAA Advisory Circular 150/5100-17: Land Acquisition and Relocation Assistance for Airport Improvement Program Assisted Projects
Provides guidance to sponsors of airport projects developed under the AIP to meet the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970 (PL 91-646, as amended) and the regulations of the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, 49 CFR Part 24.

FAA Order 1050.19: Environmental Due Diligence Audits in the Conduct of FAA Real Property Transactions
Prescribes policy, delegates authority, and assigns responsibility for ensuring agency compliance with the provisions of the Environmental Due Diligence Audit program.

FAA Order 5100.37: Land Acquisition and Relocation Assistance for Airport Projects
Contains guidelines and identifies responsibilities for FAA acceptance and monitoring of airport sponsor compliance with provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act on airport projects receiving federal financial assistance.

FAA Order 5100.38: Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Handbook
Referred to as the AIP Handbook. Provides the policies and procedures on the implementation of the AIP based on the enabling legislation. It covers who is eligible for an AIP grant; what projects can be funded and the required project justification; project procurement requirements; allowable costs; the grant process, oversight and payments; letters of intent; State Block Grant Program; Military Airport Program; Innovative Finance Demonstration Program; Voluntary Airport Low Emissions Program (VALE) and other programs. The appendices of this document detail the requirements for specific types of projects.

FAA Order 5190.6: Airport Compliance Manual
Provides basic guidance for FAA personnel in interpreting and administering the various continuing commitments airport owners make to the United States as a condition for the grant of federal funds or the conveyance of federal property for airport purposes. The order discusses the obligations set forth in the standard airport sponsor assurances, addresses the application of the assurances in the operation of public-use airports, and facilitates interpretation of the assurances by FAA personnel.

FAA Acquiring Land for Airports and Relocation Assistance
Provides guidance on land acquisition and primary property owner relocation to comply with federal financial assistance requirements.