Friday, Jan. 20, 2012

Economy tripping up upkeep at Los Banos airport, advisory panel learns

Reorganization part of year's first meeting

The Airport Advisory Commission reviewed a five-year plan and reorganized its panel Tuesday at its first meeting of the year.

Parks and Recreation Operations Manager Paul Cardoza presented the Los Banos Municipal Airport's 2013-17 Capital Improvement Plan. He said some of the items in the plan will likely not occur on schedule because of the economy.

"The next four years are related to overlay at the airport, with the fifth year being possible hangar construction," Cardoza said. "Hangars are really a place holder and probably will not happen due to the economy and the FAA's policy of not funding hangar construction."

Cardoza also said plans for an overlay of the airport will be pushed back at least a year because of the city's lack of matching funds. The $150,000 overlay design is 95 percent complete, but the plans will likely be shelved until money can be found to supplement a Federal Aviation Administration grant.

Commissioner Daniel Beasworrick asked if unspent capital improvement dollars could be used to provide matching funds for the overlay. Cardoza answered no, that if the funding is not used for the purpose it was intended, it reverts back to the city's general fund.

The airport has taken in $282,132 in revenue in 2011-12 and has spent $251,685. It has also sold more than half the aviation fuel it's authorized to purchase, which Cardoza said is good news.

Commissioners briefly discussed plans to work with the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce to hold a summer event at the airport. More details are expected in the coming months.

The commission voted Dave Anderson as its chairman and Beasworrick as vice chairman. The commission also welcomed new member Heiko Stichel, who introduced himself as a pilot who moved to Los Banos from Santa Clara.