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Future Plans for Twisp Airport The latest on the runway project Tuesday morning at the Twisp City Hall we met with the representatives of Riedesel Engineering. Also in attendance was Eric Johnson of WSDOT (WA State Dept. of Transportation). Eric is in charge of making grants for the DOT. Also Morgan Smith, the airport manager, and the three airport board members, Mike Palm, Bob Ulrich, and Don Owens were at the meeting. This meeting was designated as a scopeing meeting and as the name implies, the purpose was to determine the scope of the project, initiate plans to accomplish the work and identify associated problems. Discussed was the extent of runway reconstruction, moving of the runway lights, and the construction standards to be met. What we have now would most likely fall into the bare minimum category and the official FAA standards are probably more than we need and more than we can afford. We will strive to comply with WA DOT standards for airport construction. Riedesel Engineering will begin the engineering survey very soon. It seems that the biggest challenge is schedule construction in such a way that sufficient grant money will be available to complete the work in a timely manner. Because of the way the grant process works it may not be possible to begin actual construction until mid 2009. Another financial challenge will be to generate the matching funds necessary to qualify for the grant. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On Monday, October 22nd Riedesel Engineering gave a formal presentation for the engineering work for the Twisp Municipal Airport. Morgan Smith, Mike Palm, Dave Santos and Don Owens were all favorably impressed by the Riedesel group and their presentation. Subsequently the Twisp City Council selected Riedesel as the company to do the engineering and construction oversight for the Twisp Airport. This is an important step toward the new Twisp Municipal Airport! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are big plans ahead for the Twisp Municipal Airport. A comprehensive airport plan is nearing completion. It can be viewed at www.airside.net. Click on the link below to have a look. It is a large file so a high speed internet connection works best. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 14, 2007 This Friday morning Morgan Smith and Don Owens met with representatives, George Reynolds and Ken Duncan, of the Riedesel Engineering Firm. They were invited by the City of Twisp to bid on the engineering and planning for the new and upgraded runway. We looked at the airport, the layout plan, walked the runway and discussed many aspects of the runway project. They expressed interest in the project and will submit a bid for the work in the near future. This is the beginning of some very exciting improvements at the Twisp Airport. Check the link above to see what the Twisp Airport may look like someday. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We got it! The grant will provide approximately $80,000 for engineering work which will result in repaving, marking, widening, and moving the runway lights. The airport will be required to provide approximately $3,500 in matching funds. This is a good deal for our airport. They will be watching, however to see how well the money is used and if we do a good job on this phase of construction. This will be looked at when we apply for future grants. The width will go to 60' and have standard markings and clearances. The grant will be applied for in two stages. The first will be for the engineering and planning and the second will be for the actual construction. Since the TAIC (Twisp Airport Improvement Club) has very little income, we will be looking for donations to make sure that this important event takes place. Last year we put out a request for a $200 donation from each person that has a lease or operates and airplane from the Twisp Airport. So far we have had eight donations - we need more! We all want to see the the Twisp Airport grow and improve. We hope for a good turnout at the annual pancake breakfast as this is our main fund raiser for the year. This year we also plan to have an informal raffle to try and generate a little more income for the airport. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This year we hope to complete a sprinkler system for the lawn area in front of the North-side hangars. Some of the material has been purchased and is waiting to be installed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hangar spaces are available at the Twisp Municipal Airport for a very reasonable annual lease. Contact the airport manager for information. Phone: 509-997-2311
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