Latest News

September 28, 2011

PORT OF KENNEWICK CHOOSES MIKE SHANNON TO RUN VISTA FIELD
Tri-City Herald


Port of Kennewick commissioners believe they may have someone to take over Vista Field Airport as a fixed-based operator.

Commissioners on Tuesday directed port staff to begin negotiations with Mike Shannon, who would take over as the Vista Field fixed-based operator in January. They also decided to send rejection letters to two applicants for the fixed-based operator contract.

Shannon told commissioners at their Tuesday meeting that he wants to see the airport succeed by making customer service the No. 1 priority.


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March 2, 2011

APPROVAL OF MASTER PLAN GOOD NEWS FOR VISTA FIELD
Tri-City Herald Editorial Board

It took a year or two of work and a spirited election campaign to make way for it, but the Port of Kennewick finally has approved a master plan for Vista Field.  It's a major improvement over the uncertainty that plagued Vista Field for years, and a major step toward realizing the little airport's potential.

The valuable location adjacent to the commercial center of the Tri-Cities had been lusted after by city officials and commercial interests, not for what it was but for what it could be.


Read more: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/03/02/1389312/approval-of-master-plan-good-news.html#ixzz1G4Yly07i


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February 23, 2011

PORT OF KENNEWICK OK'S PLAN FOR VISTA FIELD
Tri-City Herald
By Kathy Korengel, Herald staff writer


KENNEWICK -- Port of Kennewick commissioners unanimously approved an updated master plan for Vista Field on Tuesday with little discussion, apparently ending a long community discussion whether to keep the airport open.

The plan sets a blueprint for developing the airfield over the next 10 years and proposes about $600,000 in capital improvements in the next five years.  Its first year also proposes developing six new hangars, improving related infrastructure and extending taxiways.

The port would spend $165,000 for infrastructure. The other estimated $1.4 million needed for the project is unfunded or would come from private developers.

The plan also proposes sealing and coating pavement on taxiways and aprons in the first year. The port has set aside about $18,000 for the work and plans to apply for a state grant to cover the other $140,000.


Read more: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/02/23/1379335/port-of-kennewick-oks-plan-for.html#ixzz1G4XP5eVl


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February 22, 2011

PORT PLANS IMPROVEMENTS AT KENNEWICK'S VISTA FIELD
Tri-City Herald
By Kathy Korengel, Herald staff writer

KENNEWICK-- Vista Field in Kennewick could be home to another 60 airplane hangars within the next 10 years.  That's one of the scenarios that could play out if Port of Kennewick commissioners approve a proposed update of the field's master plan at a meeting today.

Read more: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/02/22/1377761/port-plans-improvements-at-kennewicks.html#ixzz1G4V58Ubq

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March 8, 2010

VISTA FIELD AIRPORT TO  REMAIN OPEN!

At the conclusion of a public hearing on Monday, March 8, 2010, the Port of Kennewick’s three commissioners voted unanimously to
keep Vista Field Airport open.  After more than three years of studies, meetings, and discussions the Commission made the right decision.  According to a local news report about 130 people were in attendance and some 38 spoke. All but six were in favor of keeping the airport open. Some of those in attendance came from across the state to speak. 

Thanks to all the individuals and organizations that worked to keep the airport open. A special thanks to the local chapter of the Washington Pilots Association, the state wide Washington Pilots Association, and the national Airplane Owners and Pilots Association. All three organizations were heavily involved in the effort to save Vista Field.

WHAT'S HAPPENED AND WHAT'S NEXT

What’s happened since the decision to keep the airport open? The Port of Kennewick has accomplished the following:
•  Submitted a successful grant application to the State for funds to complete an Airport Master Plan.        
•  Retained a consultant to do the work on the Airport Master Plan.
•  Formed a citizen Airport Advisory Committee to work with the Port and the consultant on the Master Plan.
•  Selected Jackson Flight Center LLC to be the interim Fixed Base Operator (FBO). The firm is temporarily located in a commercial
  hangar on the east side of the airport.
•  Completed a study done by a consultant regarding the FBO building and location.
•  Filled the existing empty hangars with tenants. All of the existing hangars are rented.

What can we expect next?
•  Complete the ongoing process of including the airport in the City of Kennewick Comprehensive Plan with appropriate zoning.
•  Begin the necessary steps to phase in the Master Plan improvements.
•  Explore the possibility of being included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) which is a requirement to
  be eligible for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants.
•  Seek out other State and Federal grant possibilities, perhaps in concert with the City of Kennewick.
•  Enhance the visual appeal of the airport, especially along Kellogg Street.
•  Establish airport signage that directs attention to the airport.

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