Turnout light for airport ordinance workshop

Maybe it was competition from the Walmart demonstration in Gardnerville, or the lure of the Minden farmer's market just outside the CVIC Hall.

Whatever the distraction, a workshop Tuesday on the Minden-Tahoe Airport use ordinance drew two participants, one a reporter.

The workshop is one of a series throughout the county to receive public comment on three proposed options for the airport use ordinance set for the November 2010 ballot.

So far, workshops have been held in Genoa, Topaz and Minden.

"We're really looking for your ideas about the weight ordinance," said Airport Advisory Committee Chairman Mike Bradford.

He outlined the three options detailing what might be included in the ballot language.

The Federal Aviation Administration advised the county that the current weight ordinance does not comply with federal regulations and changes need to be approved by voters in 2010.

Comments have been mixed ranging from support for the airport and the need to maintain compliance to concern from some residents that they don't believe the issue is real.

The airport received a letter from the Federal Aviation Administration on April 9 stating the county must change the airport facility directory, airport master record and airport layout plan to replace inaccurate information about weight limits.

The reports must reflect the accurate weight limits of 60,000 pounds single-wheel and 75,000 pounds dual-wheel for airport runway 16-34.

If the county doesn't comply, the airport faces discontinued federal funding for airport operations and maintenance; possibility of a federal court case with the FAA; a requirement to continue operating the airport at its current level for the next 20 years without government funding; increased fees and a potential requirement to repay all the federal grant money for continued discrimination against heavier aircraft.

Minden-Tahoe Airport staff and advisory committee members have collected public comments at each meeting to be forwarded to commissioners in November.

The goal is to adopt the final draft language for the ballot in December.

"It's important to get the community engaged," Bradford said. "If misunderstood, this is a very threatening issue. When understood, the issue is pretty straight-forward."

ON THE WEB

Additional information on the Federal Aviation Administration compliance issue and the three draft options is available at www.douglascountynv.gov. Information: 782-9871. Residents are invited to submit comments to: info@mindentahoeairport.com or mail to Minden-Tahoe Airport, 1146 Airport Road, Minden, NV 89423

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

All meetings are 6-8 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22, Stateline Transportation Center, 169 Highway 50, Stateline;

Thursday, Sept. 24, Fire Station No. 7, 940 Mitch Dr., Gardnerville;

Tuesday, Sept. 29, Fire Station No. 12, 2630 N. Sunridge, Carson City;

Wednesday, Sept. 30, Minden-Tahoe Airport, 1146 Airport Road, Minden;

Tuesday, Oct. 6, Pinon Hills Elementary School, 1479 Stephanie Way, Minden.