Yakima Council OKs seed grant application for Air Terminal modernization

Yakima City Council on Jan. 14 adopted a resolution authorizing submission of a $2,000,000 seed grant application to support the Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field terminal modernization project.

The seed grant, presented by Airport Director Rob Hodgman, is intended to help match federal and state funding for a multi‑phase modernization program that includes solar parking canopies, overflow parking surfaced with recycled millings, roof and HVAC replacement for the upper level and baggage screening areas, and a new inside baggage carousel. Hodgman told council the request would help match phase 1 work already under way and that federal, state and county sources have contributed to recent progress.

Hodgman said the airport has received congressional directed spending in 2022 and 2023, a $1,000,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant for a baggage carousel, a $750,000 county seed grant to help with match, a $600,000 Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Sustainable Aviation program grant and a $1,200,000 loan from WSDOT’s Community Aviation Revitalization Board for the solar canopy project.

“The front row of parking at the passenger air cargo terminal ... will eventually all be solar arrays,” Hodgman said, and described the canopy project as both a revenue and energy savings opportunity. He described the canopy as “estimated to be about, 200 kilowatt hours of production, 1,800,000, total cost for the project” and later said the arrays are expected to generate roughly 270,000 kilowatt‑hours annually with an estimated annual cost savings and revenue of $91,000.

Hodgman also described four construction projects likely this summer: the baggage claim reconfiguration, overflow parking, solar canopies and electric aircraft charging stations (the latter contingent on a U.S. DOT grant). He said the airport is preparing for increased passenger activity and a likely third seasonal flight to Portland in early summer.

The council vote to adopt the resolution authorizing the seed grant application was taken by roll call. Deputy Mayor Brown moved to adopt the resolution; Councilman Decio seconded. Council members Berg, Brown, Myers, Decio, Glenn and Herrera voted yes. The motion carried 6‑0.

Why it matters: council and airport staff said the modernization is intended to reduce operating costs, improve passenger experience and support regional economic development by facilitating more flights and air cargo activity. Officials said some work (roof/HVAC) is urgent because of ongoing leaks, and other projects are paced to secure matching funds and to limit the city’s debt exposure.

What’s next: Hodgman said he will present further design concepts to council as they are developed and will appear before the county seed board to request the $2 million. Council members expressed unanimous support and indicated they would back requests for local match and congressional letters of support when needed.

Votes at a glance Resolution authorizing grant application for Yakima Air Terminal modernization: motion to adopt by Deputy Mayor Brown; second by Councilman Decio. Roll call: Berg — yes; Brown — yes; Myers — yes; Decio — yes; Glenn — yes; Herrera — yes. Tally: 6 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved.