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nccnnrti _ tr� nu, <br />40` yc JC�Jl �L 8 � ll IAY� Q4J® aim 1� $ E <br />I7EPAR'I TENT OF PUBLIC WORKS <br />Mark R. Cook, PE Director <br />January, 2024 <br />Board of County Commissioners <br />Kittitas County <br />Re: Bowers Field Annual Report - 2023 <br />Board of County Commissioners: <br />In accordance with the Bowers Field Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) amended charter as <br />approved December 21, 2020, the Airport Manager and Committee Chair have prepared an <br />annual report outlining long-range goals for Airport development along with accomplishments <br />achieved during the preceding year. This current report covers calendar year 2023. <br />During 2023 the AAC continued its work on developing plans and recommendations to the <br />Board of County Commissioners for improvements to airport operations and development of <br />economic potential. The focus remains on those areas identified in the Bowers Business Park <br />Development plan published in March 2022 and those lots within the aeronautical fenced <br />properties which are currently open for development. Numerous accomplishments were made in <br />both aeronautical and business properties. <br />However, there were significant challenges addressed through the transition of the Director and <br />Administrative Assistant. The regular transition of airport personnel has created a sense of <br />ongoing issues with oversight of Bowers Field. Responsibility for airport management and <br />oversight was moved from an Airport Department to the Department of Public Works during the <br />final quarter of 2023. This transition to Public Works provides additional resources to aid with <br />airport operations, project management and tracking and utilizing financial resources. During <br />this time of transition there were identified areas which needed to be corrected and adjusted. <br />With this said there are many points of accomplishment which have improved Bowers Field <br />properties preparing them for future economic development. <br />The Federal Aviation Administration withdrew discretionary funding of the proposed parallel <br />taxiway. This negatively impacts sequenced projects which are intended to improve air side <br />operations. The parallel taxiway would prevent back -taxiing on the runway. With new pilots <br />being a major portion of air traffic at Bowers Field, the parallel taxiway is needed to maintain <br />and improve safety of flight operations. <br />Long Range Goals for Airport Development: <br />411 N. Ruby St., Suite #1 TEL (509) 962-7523 <br />Ellensburg, WA 98926 FAX (509) 962-7663 <br />