Airport to see improvements

Nov. 21, 2007

SAN BERNARDINO - Important work to improve the safety and efficiency of Barstow/Daggett Airport will soon get under way now that the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has approved a contract to design a taxiway extension.

"Barstow/Daggett Airport is an important regional asset, and these improvements and upgrades will make it safer for aircraft and more attractive for economic development," said County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the area.

The $675,948 contract with Associated Engineers of Ontario calls for design and construction management services to extend Taxiway B to the end of the runway. Currently, planes departing to the south or landing from the south must use the active runway to taxi to ramps and airport services.

In addition, the electrical system for the runway lights, including underground cables and lights that were installed in the mid-1940s, will be analyzed and a plan for upgrading to modern Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards will be prepared.

Both the runway construction and electrical upgrade projects are expected to cost $3.65 million to complete. The bulk of the cost for the projects will be funded by FAA grants.

Also today, the Board of Supervisors approved a $165,629 contract to install a 1,440-square-foot modular building to serve as an airport office, passenger terminal and planning area for pilots. It will replace the current six-decade-old building that is beyond repair. The contract was awarded to Design Space Modular Buildings Inc.