Carson City Airport prepares to lease 2.48 acres after access approval

On February 19, 2025, the Carson City Airport Authority convened to discuss significant developments regarding a lease for a 2.48-acre parcel located on the south side of the airport. This meeting was crucial as it followed a previous discussion in November, where the authority had initially approved the lease but faced delays due to access issues to the airside of the airport.

The primary focus of the meeting was the adoption of a resolution and the invitation to bid for the lease. The authority confirmed that they have now secured the necessary access by negotiating with Mountain West, which involved adjusting their lease to allow for a taxi lane connection to the airside. This development is essential for moving forward with the bidding process, which is set to open on April 10, 2025, with the bid award scheduled for April 16, 2025.

The minimum lease rate has been established at 64 cents per square foot per year, based on a recent appraisal. Additionally, the lease terms have been clarified to include a specific access limit of 78 feet, which is less than the standard design requirement. This detail is crucial for potential bidders to understand the constraints of the parcel.

The authority also emphasized that the awarding of the lease is contingent upon the approval of a pending lease amendment by the Board of Supervisors, which is currently in process. The complexity of the lease history has contributed to delays, but officials expressed optimism that the amendment would be approved before the bid opening.

In addition to the lease discussion, the meeting included a preliminary review of the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. This was an initial discussion without any immediate action required, allowing for further adjustments before the next meeting.

Overall, the meeting underscored the airport authority's commitment to advancing development at Carson City Airport while navigating the necessary legal and procedural hurdles. The successful resolution of these issues is expected to enhance the airport's operational capabilities and attract potential lessees, ultimately benefiting the local economy.