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Belen accepts $245,000 NMDOT grant and approves purchase of airport hangar
Summary
Council accepted a $245,000 NMDOT Aviation Division grant (70%) with a $105,000 city match and voted to buy a 3,600 sq. ft. hangar at Belen Regional Airport for $350,000. Airport Director John Thompson said the hangar will be rented to generate income and may attract flight‑training or medevac tenants.
The Belen City Council unanimously approved two related actions on Feb. 17: accepting a $245,000 grant from the New Mexico Department of Transportation Aviation Division with a $105,000 city match, and purchasing a 3,600‑square‑foot hangar at Belen Regional Airport for $350,000.
Airport Director John Thompson presented the grant and purchase, describing the acquisition as "a great opportunity VS building up a new one." Thompson said the city plans to rent the facility and estimated monthly rents in the $1,500–$1,800 range; he named potential tenants including a flight school or a medivac operator. Councilors asked about uses and revenues; the council voted to accept the grant and then to approve the hangar purchase, with all members voting yes on both motions.
The council approved the grant acceptance motion (moved by Councilor Rudy M. Espinoza, seconded by Councilor Frank F. Ortega) and later approved the purchase motion (moved by Councilor Steven L. Holdman, seconded by Councilor Rudy M. Espinoza). The actions will require completing grant paperwork and closing the purchase.
