The Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency wants to help the Sandpoint Airport and its associated industries soar.
SURA members recently agreed to fund a maximum of $350,000 in airport improvements, including a hangar project required for Tamarack Aerospace’s continued operation in the region. Officials are also investigating whether or not the Federal Aviation Administration will provide the $250,000 necessary for the bare minimum of runway repairs.
According to Sandpoint Airport manager Dave Schuck, airport board members and county officials all believe they have a solid case when it comes to petitioning the FAA for funding. Discussions between the county and the federal agency are set to occur within the next couple months.
Wrapped up the questions over runway repair funding is the effort to keep Tamarack Aerospace in Sandpoint. The manufacturer of a revolutionary “Active Winglet” product for Cessna aircraft, Tamarack officials require guarantees that a fully functioning runway be present along with some other improvements, like a hangar to house business operations and a proposed flight school. In February, SURA members approved a study to examine the cost and impact of the improvements.
According to SURA members’ review of Idaho Code, up to $350,000-worth of the improvements qualify for public funding. In addition, city personnel have applied for a grant that could cover $50,000 of that total.
At a March SURA meeting, members voted to provide a maximum of $350,000 for the improvements under four conditions.
First, the agency’s legal counsel must review and approve all aspects of the funding. Second, SURA will reimburse the developer for the agreed-upon project costs once a certificate of occupancy has been issued and a lease agreement signed with Tamarack Aerospace. Third, SURA will receive a full accounting of the expenses associated with the reimbursement.
Finally, the project must be consistent with the qualities discussed in public meetings.
For further information please visit: http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/
Copyright 2013 Plus Media Solutions Private LimitedAll Rights Reserved
