In a recent government meeting, officials discussed an innovative project spearheaded by the Monterey Bay Drone Automation and Robotics Technology initiative (DART), aimed at enhancing disaster response capabilities through the use of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). The initiative, which is being developed in collaboration with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), seeks funding from the federal Department of Transportation under the Smart Grant program, which focuses on applying advanced technologies to transportation challenges.

Josh Metz, the executive director of DART, outlined the project's objectives, which include utilizing UAVs for rapid post-disaster assessments of roadway damage following climate-related events such as flooding, fires, and earthquakes. The proposed project aims to create a minimum viable infrastructure that would improve aerospace location awareness for uncrewed systems, thereby enhancing safety for all aviation users.

The project is designed to align with the Smart Grant program's criteria, and while funding is not guaranteed, Metz expressed optimism about the proposal's potential impact. The testing phase is scheduled for the summer of 2025, with plans to deploy UAVs to gather and transmit data on ground conditions to emergency operations centers.

Metz emphasized the importance of community engagement and coordination with local stakeholders, including agricultural helicopter operators, to ensure the project's success and safety. The initiative also aims to position Monterey County as a hub for research and development in the emerging field of urban air mobility, which includes the integration of UAVs into the national airspace system.

In addition to the DART project, the meeting highlighted the recent recognition of Earl Peizant, who received an Aviation Excellence Award for his contributions to airport management. Peizant expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career, underscoring the collaborative spirit within the airport community.

The meeting concluded with updates on the airport's master plan, which is nearing completion and will soon be submitted for FAA review, as well as upcoming community events aimed at increasing public engagement with the airport.