Sun Valley Aviation blocked again

The motion to approve the budget amendment was made by City Commissioner Kori Marra. David Moran, the airport's attorney on this specific airport issue, recommended approval of the item.

"I have recommended to the commission they approve this budget amendment," Moran said. "If approved, I think this amendment would improve the city's legal position with regard to the FAA complaint filed by Sun Valley Aviation. I understand the airport board recommend you approve it and they are in favor of it from an economic standpoint."

The commission also failed to allow Commissioner Jerry Prepejchal to send a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration seeking guidance on the Sun Valley issue.

Moran and City Attorney Roxann Cotroneo both recommended that the commission not send the letter to the FAA because it would violate FAA regulations.

Commissioner Robert Leftwich made a motion to rewrite the letter, asking only that someone from the FAA come to Harlingen and answer questions.

Commissioners Marra and Gus Ruiz both voted "no," commissioners Prepejchal and Leftwich voted "yes" and Mayor Chris Boswell cast the deciding "no" vote because Commissioner Joey Trevino recused himself.

Gulf Aviation, the current airport services business at Valley International Airport, known in the industry as a fixed-base operation, and Sun Valley Aviation, an FBO that wants to come to VIA, have both filed complaints with the FAA against the airport.

The budget amendment before the City Commission would have allowed VIA to spend $325,000 of local funds paired with a $1.4 million FAA grant for parking and an apron on airport grounds, the terms Sun Valley is seeking to sign a lease with VIA.

A similar budget amendment failed at a City Commission meeting in December.