Scene from the open house Wednesday at Los Alamos County Airport. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Public Works Deputy Manager Eric Martinez, left, discusses various design options for capital projects at the airport Wednesday night. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Airport Manager Bobbie Huseman at Wednesday’s open house. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Staff Report
In response to the 2013 Master Plan for the Los Alamos County Airport, which identified reconstructing Taxiway F and developing the northwest corner of the airport, County staff unveiled five design options, provided by Delta Airport Consultants to the public during an open house Wednesday night.
Airport Manager Bobbi Huseman detailed a few different capital projects that are happening as well. Two most recent grant awards from New Mexico Department of Transportation – Aviation Division (NMDOTAD) includes additional funding for a fuel farm, which Huseman described as a self-service aviation fueling station. Originally, there was $1.9 million for the project, but the airport was awarded an additional $1.4 million to bring the total grant amount to $3.3 million.
The second project, which was funded through a legislative airport grant, is for the design, bid and construction of 8 new t-hangars, that project is scheduled to be awarded in the amount of $1.5 million. The highlight of the meeting was to get community input on the future project which is the relocation of Taxiway F and development of northwest area of airport property. The project is anticipated to be funded 90% by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program grant, 5% by the NMDOTAD, and another 5% by the County of Los Alamos. The project would expand the taxiway from 18 feet to 25 feet to be compliant with FAA design standards. Huseman said the project would enhance safety at the airport. The cost will depend on which design option is selected.
The open house also gave Huseman an opportunity to introduce herself to the community. Huseman stepped into the airport manager position in late March, replacing Geoff Rodgers who is a senior pilot with Classic Air Medical.
Huseman spoke about her impressions of Los Alamos.
“I love it,” she said. “The community is great. The local aviation community is wonderful, and we have plenty of opportunities to showcase our GA (General Aviation) airport, adding that the local aviators are always willing to share their knowledge and expertise.
Huseman said anyone interested in knowing more about aviation or the entities based at the airport should feel free to give her a call at 505.663.3423 or stop by her office at the airport.
Scene from the open house Wednesday at Los Alamos County Airport. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Scene from the open house Wednesday at Los Alamos County Airport. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
