Bonner County board adopts revised RFP scoring for airport lots, delays three Executive Row releases

The Bonner County Airports Advisory Board on Oct. 27 approved a modified scoring system for upcoming requests for proposals (RFPs) to lease multiple lots at Sandpoint and Priest River airports and agreed to hold off releasing three Executive Row lots while a prospective aerial firefighting operator explores relocation.

Airport manager Dave presented maps, surveys and a revised point system that reduces the weight given to "prioritization of airport needs" and increases points for "additional investment in airport infrastructure" and for development experience. Staff said the change is intended to reward proposers willing to fund taxiways and other on-site infrastructure the FAA is unlikely to prioritize for development funding.

The revised criteria reallocate points across multiple categories. For lots at Sandpoint labeled 35–37 and several lots at Priest River, staff said the RFP will prefer proposals that commit to building taxiways or other airport infrastructure rather than proposals that only match airport operational priorities, which will be set as requirements in the RFP. Staff also said development experience should score higher because larger consolidated hangar projects will likely require professional developers rather than individual general-aviation owners.

Airport manager Dave told the board that Rutledge Airborne, an aerial firefighting operator, has expressed interest in relocating to Sandpoint and could take all three Executive Row lots (17–19) if the proposal proceeds. Rutledge's potential presence would generate local jobs, staff said, and the board voted to delay issuing RFPs for those three lots until Rutledge's interest is clarified.

Board members and staff discussed lot-specific layouts and densities: lot 35 may support a four-plex of roughly 30-by-40-foot hangars, lot 36 a 10-plex of about 35-by-45-foot hangars, and lot 37 a five-plex. At Priest River, staff proposed a snow-removal-equipment (SRE) building on lot 14, a 10-unit configuration on lot 15, five units on lot 16 and duplex-style units on lot 17. Setbacks and an existing water line affect final counts, and staff said the survey results will guide final layouts.

Board members raised financing and ownership options. Discussion ranged from condominium-style ownership to developer-built multi-unit hangar complexes or LLC ownership by pooled pilots. Andy, an FBO representative, noted condominiumization can ease resale but complicates financing; an LLC structure can limit bank financing. Staff recommended initially publishing RFPs according to the revised criteria and then adjusting if market interest is insufficient.

Members also debated lease terms. Staff recommended flexibility: shorter terms for lower-investment stick-built hangars and longer terms (up to 50 years) for large, commercial hangars likely to require lender support. Staff emphasized controlling construction standards either by requiring minimum building specifications or by screening contractors with proven experience so structures reverting to the county at lease end will have durable value.

The board voted to accept the modified RFP criteria as presented and to withhold issuing RFPs for lots 17–19 pending further development of a potential Rutledge Airborne proposal.

The decision affects multiple planned RFPs and the county's approach to increasing hangar density at both airports while balancing safety-driven FAA priorities and limited federal funding for development.

Ending: Staff will finalize RFP language and return with any needed adjustments; commissioners will receive the advisory board's recommendation for final approval before RFP release.