Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Who owns Vista Field?

A: The Port of Kennewick owns the airport.
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Q: Does the Airport Receive Federal Funding through 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.  Because of the close proximity of Richland Airport and the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, it does not appear likely that Vista Field will qualify for Federal funds in the near future.
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Q: Is There a Plan to Enhance the Airport?

A: In February of 2011, the Port of Kennewick commissioners voted to adopt a new Master Plan.  This Master Plan includes a detailed "map" of locations for new hangars, a new facility for a fixed base operator (FBO), tie-down area, and location for new aviation-related businesses.  The new 2011 Master Plan can be found on the Port of Kennewick website www.portofkennewick.org .
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Q: Has Anyone Looked into Relocating 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 and it is not being considered.
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Q:  What's Happening on the Ground?

A: The Port recently completed and approved the Master Plan at the February 22nd, 2011 meeting.  This now opens Vista Field to development by private parties and the Port.  The zoning changes required have been approved by the City of Kennewick and development can now begin in earnest.

There is one group that is in discussion with the Port to enter into an agreement to build hangars at Vista. (March 2011).  There is a second group that is exploring bringing their business to Vista Field.

Cadwell Laboratories was ready to break ground at Vista in February 2011 and realized the building needed to be expanded to meet their near term growth.  They now expect to break ground in early Summer 2011.

There is still a lot of work on the Port's part to make the development happen:  This includes necessary infrastructure, such as land surveying and grading for proper surface drainage, fence relocation, underground utilities, and paving.  It is not clear who will do this necessary work an it appears to be a joint negotiation between the Port and private parties.

The Port is submitting a grant application to the state for funds to reseal, resurface, and repaint the runway and taxiways.

The Port is just completing a Request for Proposal RFP (March 2011) for a Fixed Based Operator FBO to bring in a full complement of services to Vista Field.  The Port is being encouraged to use the former FBO building as the site for the FBO until such time as a new FBO building can be built.

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Q:  Is the Airport the Best Use of the Property at Vista Field?

A:  Yes, small airports like Vista Field Airport are vital community assets that provide an important transportation infrastructure.  Aircraft that use the Vista Field Airport provide support for emergency response, medical transport, a variety of business purposes, and general aviation.

The Tri-Cities is fortunate to have a considerable amount of property in the Vista Field area that is undeveloped, providing opportunity for future commercial development and airport activities.

Airports are recognized as "green" areas of open space, which contributes to the quality of life in a community.

The airport complements and supports the commercial and other activities in and around the entire area.