$3 million project in the works at Carson City airport

The first step in a multi-year process leading to a $3 million airport apron reconstruction project was taken Wednesday by Carson City’s Airport Authority.

Authority members voted unanimously to approve working with Atkins North America, Inc. to handle design and bidding matters, but proceeding is contingent upon receipt of a $150,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The authority also must come up with a $10,000 match.

The north apron project on airport grounds near the intersection of Goni Road and Arrowhead Drive also would rely on federal funds and, at this stage, is expected to be done by phased work in 2016 and 2017. The project envisions more than $3 million with each of the two phases roughly costing half, but figures at this point are just estimates.

“They’re simply phased because of funding limitations,” said Jim Clague, airport engineer, anticipating federal actions based on meetings with pertinent officials and longer term authorizations by Congress or the FAA.

Members also heard a brief report from Steve Tackes, authority attorney, on prospects for bills being in the upcoming Nevada Legislature that begins in Carson City Feb. 2. Among bill drafts he cited are three on unmanned aircraft, also known as drones, and another on regional commercial air service. He said it’s difficult to detail them until introduction or reaching the legislators to determine their intent.

Tackes said the exception is a bill dealing with sales tax abatement on aircraft parts, which is coming back after time ran out on it in the last legislative session.

“The idea is to make Nevada competitive,” he said, explaining the thrust is to help improve the aircraft repair business in the Silver State.

A treasurer’s report indicated the airport has more than $502,000 in checking and savings accounts.

At the request of Bill Hartman, a pilot and a Boy Scout leader, the authority agreed to put on the next meeting agenda a request that money raised by Airport Manager Tim Rowe among business be matched by the authority to help boost funds for an open house. The authority previously budgeted just $5,000, which Hartman said is crimping open house plans. Hartman was told it would be discussed, but the budget was tight.