Airport authority awards 2.48-acre lease to Eagle Valley Airport Development

The Carson City Airport Authority voted unanimously April 16 to award a lease for a 2.48-acre parcel on the south side of the airport to Eagle Valley Airport Development LLC.

The motion, made by Member Golden and seconded (second not specified in the record), approved the lease at a rate of 64¢ per square foot per annum and directed the authority chair to execute the lease and authorize staff to present it to the Board of Supervisors for approval.

The lease award was made pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes 244.283 after the authority received a single responsive bid. "It's compliant in all respects," airport counsel Steve Takis told the board after the bid and requirements were reviewed by counsel and the airport manager.

Members who spoke in support noted a lengthy pre-application period and praised the proposal's design. "I think the proposal that came in from the applicant looks great. I'm thrilled to support it," Member Golden said, noting the applicant had been in discussions with the board "for at least 18 months." Member Hutter added, "something really fantastic has been pulled off," complimenting the proposal's hangar orientation.

Board members and staff described several conditions and next steps before construction. The applicant agreed to coordinate a technical analysis to ensure new buildings would not interfere with transmissions from an adjacent cell tower; staff said the tower appears to sit above the proposed buildings but that the analysis will be reviewed more closely before final approval. The authority also said the project will undergo an engineering review by the airport's consultant and a separate FAA review and permitting process.

The board discussed parking and site access. Staff said the authority has historically allowed leaseholds to use the airport parking lot without specific lease language guaranteeing spaces; that precedent will remain unless changed. The applicant has already completed a major project review with the city and will still be subject to city building permits and any parking analysis required by the city.

The motion passed without recorded opposition. The authority's action authorizes the chair to sign the lease pending the lessee's signature and sends the lease to the Board of Supervisors for final approval, a required next step before construction may proceed.