Airport seeks $200,000 NDOT grant

Commissioners could approve a $200,000 grant application to the Nevada Department of Transportation for a water line on the east side of Minden-Tahoe Airport, at their regular meeting Thursday.

The project, which is expected to cost $950,000 over four phases, would service 20 acres in the northeast corner of the airport for soaring, hangars and other business development, said Airport Manager Jim Braswell.

"The first phase will cost about $200,000, bringing the water line 1,200 feet into the northeast section along Bliss Road," he said.

If approved, the funding will come from the Nevada Department of Transportation's $2 million Economic Set-a-side fund, according to county officials.

"The Nevada Department of Transportation is looking for projects that create economic development for areas less than 5,000 in population," Braswell said. "The airport planning area is less than 5,000 in population and is seeking a funding source."

In other business:

• The public is invited to a special open house at 1 p.m. Thursday in the new Douglas County Board of Commissioners meeting room, located at the Tahoe Transportation Center, 169 Highway 50 in Stateline, next to the Douglas County Administration Building.

• Lt. Charles Powell of the Nevada Highway Patrol will update commissioners concerning staffing, statistics and mutual law enforcement efforts in Douglas County.

• Commissioners could be doing a lot more of their own homework with respect to Douglas County's budget, if a proposal by Douglas County Manager Dan Holler is accepted.

The budget is currently summarized for the board, with just a limited number of specific actions or policy direction provided by the board.

"The process will require substantially more time at the board and staff level," Holler said. "(But) this will involve the board in more of the budget cutting process and give departments more opportunity to discuss desired funding levels with the board."

The six-month budget process begins with this meeting and culminates in June, when it is approved by the State.

Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.

What: Douglas County Board of Commissioners meeting

When: 1:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: Tahoe Transportation Center, 169 Highway 50, Stateline