CAA: GA News, "Nevada airport dedication ceremony set for Saturday"

["Stephen Irwin" <stepheni@xxxxxxxxx>]

Friday, October 4, 2002

Airport dedication ceremony set for Saturday
The Reno Gazette Journal, NV


The second phase of work to revamp the Silver Springs Airport is nearly
completed as part of a project that officials said Thursday should boost
the community's economy.

The Silver Springs Airport, which existed before the small desert town
35 miles east of Carson City, used a gravel runway until the $1.2
million paving project.

An airport dedication ceremony set for Saturday will include a fly-in by
ultra-light planes, as well as a craft fair, pumpkin patch, stew-making
contest and quilt show.

"We are now, very shortly, going to be a 24-hour facility," said Kay
Bennett, who operates the county-owned airport with her husband Hale.
"We're excited."

Crews late last month finished installation of runway lights and
construction of a ramp for planes to taxi on and off the runway, said
Bennett. 

All that remains of the $663,000 project is to install an electrical
vault for the lights' wiring, which should be completed within a few
weeks, Bennett said.

In 2001, officials paved 6,600 feet of runway in the first phase of
work.

"We're doing this for economic development," Chuck Swanson, Lyon County
public works director, said. It still has a long way to go, but it's a
start."

The soon-to-be-completed second-phase will allow fixed-base operators to
open businesses at the airport, which can provide fuel, pilot services,
aviation instruction, and engine repair and maintenance.

Bennett said several companies have expressed interest.

Silver Springs business owners, regional economists and political
leaders have indicated they believe there is a potential for the airport
to attract businesses that will create jobs for the 5,000-resident
bedroom community.

The Federal Aviation Administration and community development block
grants funded the projects.

The next phase of work is a new taxiway on the north side of the
airport. The $750,000 project is scheduled to begin next October, and
the funding has already been approved.


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