Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Airport commission reports infrastructure problems, higher traffic and community events
Summary
Darren Jackson delivered the municipal airport quarterly update, describing recent infrastructure failures, rising aircraft traffic, grant shortfalls for crack seal work, and an upcoming airport cleanup and open house.
Darren Jackson, presenting the municipal airport quarterly report to the Moses Lake City Council, said the airport is operating “in the red” this quarter because of a string of infrastructure problems and unexpected repairs.
Jackson described a long‑running water leak that the airport finally fixed, a crushed septic tank that occurred earlier in the summer, lighting failures and other aging infrastructure that have driven unexpected expenses. The airport applied for state grants but was not funded in the current cycle; Jackson said some materials for crack‑seal work will be donated and that he will provide tar/mastic personally if needed.
The report noted traffic and leases are “higher than they've ever been” at the facility. Jackson said pumps and fuel, and pilot interest, reflect greater general aviation use; he cited fuel pricing of about $7.20 per gallon and gave a typical small‑plane burn rate of roughly 22 gallons per hour (he noted his own plane uses about 75 gallons per hour). Jackson said six airport businesses employ about 42 people and that, per a state estimate he quoted, the airport supports roughly $4.2 million in economic activity for the city.
Jackson described a recently repaired wind turbine that had “failed to kind of fall off its pedestal” after about three years of service interval and said the airport continues routine maintenance such as crack sealing — performed with donated materials when grants are not available. He also invited council members to fly with airport staff to better understand operations and explained the airport serves as overflow for large events at the Grant County Airport, including STOL competitions and air shows.
Jackson said the airport will hold a cleanup event on Saturday and a future open house; invitations will be provided to council members. He also raised an annexation and rezoning issue related to Road L at Wheeler Road in a letter he had provided to staff.
No formal council action on airport operations was required at the meeting; the update was informational and aimed at keeping council members apprised of maintenance needs, grant outcomes and economic connections to the community.
