HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-14-minutes-airport-study-session2021-03-14 MINUTES 1
KITTITAS COUNTY
AIRPORT STUDY SESSION MINUTES
WEBEX, WEBEX
Regular Meeting
MONDAY 11:00 AM March 14, 2021
Board members present: Commissioner Brett Wachsmith, Chair Laura Osiadacz, and Vice Chair
Cory Wright
Others: Ken Grannan, Codi Fortier, Mark Cook, Terry LaRue, Paula Mcminn, Jennifer
Nelson, Darwin Triggs, Wren
Meeting Call to Order: By Laura Osiadacz at 11:03AM
5 Year Capital Improvement Plan with Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill:
Director Grannan discussed the CIP 5-year projects with the inclusion of the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Bill. With the BIL, the airport was granted an additional 1.48 million to utilize
over the next 5 years, which is approximately 295k a year. The first project year will be in 2022
and include a Wildlife Assessment, Design and Construction of Utility extension for the Hangar
Taxilane Project. This project is for fire hydrants to be put in in case of a fire in our airfield. The
last project of the year will be the East Taxilane pavement Rehabilitation and Apron
Reconfiguration Project. 2023 and 2025 will be a BIL carryover, which means that the money
that would be used for that yar will be rolled over into next years projects. 2024 will primarily be
focused on the Apron Reconfiguration Project- Construction Phase. 2026 will be the East
Taxilane pavement rehabilitation Project-Construction Phase.
Director Grannan noted that while the airport recognizes many people would like to see
runway 7/25 rehabilitated. The airport can only use this money for AIP eligible projects
Draft EA
Director Grannan reported the updates on the draft EA report. The EA report will go out
for a 30-day public opinion period starting on March 16th, 2022. It was also noted that the
wetland mitigation is almost complete will pose no wildlife hazard to the airfield.
Public Works Director Cook joined the discussion to further explain the historical aspects
of the environmental assessment process and significant insight into the overall project. Director
Cook stated that the airport will be eliminating diversions of whiskey creek. By doing this, it
allows the creek to redirect back to its original flow path and potentially eliminating irrigation
induced wetlands. The airport has been granted almost 2 million from the FAA for wetland
mitigation. The allocation of funding is on hold until final FAA determination prior to June 1st,
2022.
Unleaded Aviation Fuel
Director Grannan discussed the future of unleaded fuel at Bowers Field Airport. Citing
that the FAA has created a program known as the elimination aviation gasoline lead emissions,
also known as EAGLE, that hopes to rid aviation fuel of lead by 2030. Director Grannan spoke
to the distributor of the unleaded fuel, G100UL, and it was then the airport learned this type of
unleaded fuel is not in production and will not be for a significant amount of time. This is the
2021-03-14 MINUTES 2
only certified fuel for Central Washington University’s Lycoming engines and until the fuel is
being distributed, the airport will not be providing G100UL.
CWU is committed to the future of the airport and will continue to work with us to get an
unleaded fuel for their fleet and may eventually move into electric aircraft. The airport is excited
to move into the future of aviation in partnership with CWU.
Director Grannan also discussed the need for a solution to the recent fuel outages. He will
be meeting with Midstate to see if there is a solution to the problem, and potentially look for
alternatives for emergency fueling if needed. Director Grannan should have an update by April’s
study session.
Taxilane Project
Director Grannan updated the BoCC on the airports upcoming taxilane project. The
airport has secured ALP funds that will be used to develop the taxiway, and the airport is in the
initial design phase. The west taxilane will run adjacent to the west apron, fourth of current T-
Hangars. Allowing for hangar development of Bowers rd. and future relocation of county owned
T-Hangars. The development of the taxilane will allow for Jet aircraft and larger planes access
which is not possible with the current taxilane.
OTHER BUSINESS
Director Grannan is aware of the inconsistencies in the airports new T-Hangar leases. The
airport is working on creating an addendum to bring to the board for approval.
The future of 7/25 was discussed briefly in the last AAC meeting. When the future of the
runway is decided it will be presented to the board.
Commissioner Wright was curious about creating a pilot program with a commercial
airline for Central. It was brought to his attention after reading about Alaska Airlines new pilot
program in Hillsboro, OR. to deal with the pilot shortage. It was learned that Central has a
developmental program in conjunction with Horizon Airlines, which has been working with the
program for a few years now.
Director Grannan brought up the possibility of having an A&P (Airframe and
Powerplant) school on our airport. The discussion went no further and will be brought up again if
there is any more information on the matter.
Meeting adjourned at 11:46 AM
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Ken Grannan Laura Osiadacz, Chairman