Prescott council OKs airport lease and accepts state grants for ramp and maintenance

The Prescott City Council voted Sept. 9 to approve a new hangar lease at Prescott Regional Airport and to accept two state intergovernmental agreements to develop ramp capacity and support airport operations. Rick Kreider, airport staff, told council the city acquired a hangar via a June settlement and solicited proposals; the winning bid set rent at $4,580 per month (about $54,000 per year), which Kreider said was roughly a 33% increase over prior expectations. Council approved the lease by voice vote, 5–0. Kreider and city staff also described two state-funded intergovernmental agreements. The larger agreement provides $3.5 million to build phase 1 of a northeast “flex ramp” at Ernest A. Love Field, intended to give firefighters space for rotary aircraft, ground support and large aircraft during fire season and to provide flexible space for military and commercial operations. The second IGA provides $500,000 for maintenance and operations at the airport. Council discussed the grants and the role of state delegation support. Staff said the $3.5 million award is a 100% state warrant to the city to deliver the phase 1 project, report back to the legislature and seek future funding for phase 2; the $500,000 IGA is earmarked for operations and maintenance projects that will free city funds for other work. The council approved item 9g (the IGAs described) and item 9f (related airport funding allocations) by recorded voice votes of 5–0. No separate public hearing was required; the items were considered on the consent agenda after a brief staff presentation and acknowledgement of state legislative assistance. Separately at the meeting, the mayor’s office and airport staff announced Prescott Airfest — a free public event at Ernest A. Love Field scheduled for Oct. 4 — and said United/SkyWest will add a second Denver flight starting Oct. 7 and adjust Los Angeles flight times to improve connections. The council did not adopt additional funding for the airport beyond acceptance of the two state IGAs and the new lease; staff said the state awards and the ramp plan will require design and reporting steps before construction.