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Caldwell airport director outlines $2 million FAA design grant, tower plan and local infrastructure work
Summary
Scott Swanson, Caldwell’s director of aviation, told the council city airport work includes an $2 million FAA design grant for a future control tower, $39,186 in recent electrical upgrades, and timelines for hangar and restaurant phases at the Silver Hawk site.
Scott Swanson, director of aviation for the City of Caldwell, updated the council on multiple airport projects and federal funding on Monday. He said the airport received a $2,000,000 grant from the federal contract tower program that requires no local match and will fund engineering and design work for a future control tower.
"Bottom line up front is we got awarded $2,000,000 that do not require a match to it," Swanson said, adding the grant will cover design and engineering and that construction would be a later, separate expense. He estimated actual tower construction could cost in the range of $20 million to $25 million and said staff will pursue construction funding after design is complete.
Swanson also briefed the council on a recent electrical project to bring power into older hangar areas. He said Idaho Power initially estimated $80,000, but the city’s work and coordination with the Caldwell electrical department reduced net spending: "So in total right now, we've spent $39,186," he said, and noted the city received a $5,600 refund from Idaho Power that will be applied to future expenses.
On development at the airport, Swanson said Silver Hawk Aviation’s farmhouse redevelopment is in phase 1 (hangar and offices) with completion anticipated by mid‑August and public restrooms expected by the end of August. He said phase 2 (amenities and a restaurant) has drawings in engineering and architecture and could break ground as early as September if permitting runs smoothly.
Swanson said staff will prepare an RFQ to select a design firm for the tower, work with JUB Engineering on scope and bidding documents, and plan a council workshop to review infrastructure proposals and cost estimates. He told councilors he had sent questions to the FAA to clarify whether the city may seek an extension beyond the typical 36‑month federal completion expectation for grant projects and that staff will report back once they receive FAA guidance.
The mayor and councilors asked several procedural and funding questions; Swanson said he would follow up with the FAA and return with any clarifications for council consideration. The airport update was presented early in the meeting and drew no formal vote.
