Caldwell airport director outlines terminal upgrades, federal grant push and revenue mix in FY26 budget

Scott Swanson, the city’s director of aviation, told the Caldwell City Council the airport’s fiscal 2026 budget centers on improving the terminal’s brand identity and capturing more operational data to guide business decisions.

Swanson said the terminal work would include redesigning the pilot lounge and upgrading amenities in the Hubler building to make the facility more attractive to pilots and aeronautical businesses. “I want to put my plane here. I want to fly here,” Swanson said, describing the intent behind the “brand identity and value proposition” effort.

The airport also plans a multiyear pavement project. Swanson said the city anticipates a full tear-out, remill and repave for the center section of Taxiway Charlie, a program that will be completed in phases over about three years because the pavement is roughly 48 years old. He told council the next Federal Aviation Administration grant round for an air traffic control tower…