Reno–Tahoe Airport Authority outlines master plan process and public engagement schedule

Representatives from the Reno–Tahoe Airport Authority presented an update on the airport master planning process for Stead (RTS) and Reno (RNO). Jed Hammer, an airport planner with the RTAA, said the master plan will produce short-, medium- and long-term recommendations and requires FAA sign-off on the aviation forecast and airport layout plan.

Hammer outlined the consultant selection process and said Artura Incorporated was selected as the lead consultant. He described public engagement plans including a project website (rtsmasterplan.com), tenant interviews, pop-ups and a working group of local and external stakeholders. "Artura Incorporated... have completed over 150 projects at 43 airports in just the last 3 years," Hammer said, emphasizing the team's experience and the RTAA's interest in broad stakeholder engagement.

The RTAA described milestones: draft existing conditions/facility assessments in January, an aviation forecast draft in March (subject to FAA review), and a public meeting in spring or summer for broader community input. Staff also announced office hours in the terminal for public questions and indicated the RTAA will coordinate with NDOT and FAA as the process advances.

During board Q&A, staff were asked to return for a longer discussion with the board about airport-area development impacts. RTAA staff also clarified that a previously discussed Gigafactory/lithium project is not proceeding after lease negotiations failed and communications ceased with that prospective tenant.

No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational and RTAA encouraged the public to use the rtsmasterplan.com site and upcoming office hours to provide input.