Kittitas County reviews 2025 Bowers Field Airport annual report

Joshua Fredrickson, airport operations and business development staff, presented the 2025 annual report from the Airport Advisory Committee to the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 26, 2026, outlining operations, maintenance and development work over the past year.

The presentation focused on several near-term projects and accomplishments: a wildlife hazard evaluation and management plan the board has already adopted; work to secure a loan described in the minutes as a "Carb Loan" to extend electrical service to hangar areas; a hangar taxi‑lane project; collaborative foreign object debris cleanups with Central Washington University; and controlled burns intended to reduce small‑animal habitat. Fredrickson said economic development efforts are focused on leasing, marketing and developing airport business and industrial land to increase lease revenue and reduce reliance on FAA and general‑fund dollars.

Chairman Cory Wright thanked Fredrickson for his work, describing the airport as a key economic development asset for the county. The minutes record no formal action on airport items at the meeting; Fredrickson was asked to gather additional information about state aviation legislation and its potential impact on Bowers Field.

Why it matters: upgrades that increase lease revenue and reduce dependence on external funds can influence local airport operations and county budgets. The board requested follow‑up research so commissioners can assess any legislative implications and next steps for airport projects.