Vista Field

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Who owns Vista Field?

A: The Port of Kennewick owns the airport.

Q: Does the Port of Kennewick want to close the airport?

A: There has been much talk and much pressure on the Port Commissioners to close Vista Field. Vista Field’s future rests upon the decision by the three commissioners. With continued pressure, the commissioners have taken a second look at the possible closure of the airport. Before an informed decision can be made, the commissioners have been fact-gathering the pros and cons of keeping or closing the airport. Once all of the information is compiled, it is expected a decision will be made in late summer or fall of 2009.

Q: Why Does the City Want to Close Vista Field?

A: The City of Kennewick City Council has a vision of developing the Vista Field area into an entertainment center. Their vision would include expanding the coliseum, building a large multi-story hotel, placing a carousel on the property, adding residential, a strip mall, and light industry. The City anticipates this development would bring more jobs to the community and provide greater tax base revenues.

Q: Why Is There Opposition to the City’s Plan?

A: There are many reasons why users of the airport oppose the City’s plan:

1. Currently over 300 well-paying, family-supporting jobs are associated with the airport. Many of these jobs would be at risk if the airport closes.

2. Most of the new jobs that would result from the City’s plan for a new hotel, shops, etc. would be entry-level jobs with minimum or low wage pay. They are not family-supporting jobs.

3. There are a number of projects underway in the Tri-Cities. Adding another 90 acres would create a market risk during a time of economic slump, possibly creating financial risks for projects already under construction.

4. It is estimated by J-U-B Engineering it would cost $5.1 to $8.7 million to close Vista Field. The Port of Kennewick does not have the money to close the airport.

Although the City has a vision for the Vista Field area, it is only a vision. There are no investors at this time prepared to invest in Vista Field. The Council and Mayor have stated publicly there is no developer offering to build the twelve story hotel, nor are there plans to accommodate the additional vehicular traffic that the increased development would create. In 1999 the Mulvanny Report was presented to the City, which contained renderings of pathways, shops, residential, and light industrial development. Although the City frequently refers to this proposal, no progress has been made to date.

Q: Is There a Plan to Enhance the Airport?

A: Local businessman and pilot, Carl Cadwell, is prepared to invest $10 million into the airport over a 10 year period. His proposal would add T-hangars, executive hangars, refurbish the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) building, build a new maintenance facility, and build an addition to Cadwell Laboratories, along with other improvements. This plan complements the Port of Kennewick’s 2006 Comprehensive Plan.

Q: Isn’t the Airport Protected by the FAA?

A: Vista Field is not a NPIAS (National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems) airport. It has never received funding from the FAA, but depends upon state grants and local funding from the Port for improvements.

Q: Why Not Relocate the Airport?

A: A study in 2007 by J-U-B Engineering estimates the cost of building a new airport south of Kennewick at $20.5 million. That does not include extending utilities or roads. The Port does not have the funding to build a new airport.