With about 15 times more airplanes than it had six years ago, the Silver Springs Airport is definitely experiencing some growing pains.
Lyon County commissioners will vote today on two additions to the airport's capital improvement program that may help ease those pains.
"This is an airport that is growing directly as a result of the county's growth," said Lyon County Manager Donna Kristaponis.
Airport manager Hale Bennett said when he became manager six years ago, there was one airplane on the ground at Silver Springs. "Now we have 16," he said.
The first improvement will provide for the development of a fueling system at the airport and the other is a measure to improve fire-suppression capabilities.
Bennett estimated the cost of the fueling system at $300,000 to $350,000.
The funds would come from the Federal Aviation Administration, not the county, Bennett said.
Each year airports are required by the FAA to update their capital improvement plans, Bennett explained. "Lyon County is the sponsor for this airport to get FAA assistance in rebuilding the old airport."
Because of that sponsorship, requests for capital improvements must be presented to the county commissioners for approval before being submitted to the FAA.
The fire-suppression assistance is needed to improve the water supply to a point where there is enough water supply, flow and storage to satisfy the requirements of the fire marshal, Bennett said.
n Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.
Be there for the vote
What: Lyon County Commission meeting
When: 9 a.m. today
Where: 27 S. Main St., Yerington
Call: (775) 463-6531
