Board pledges letter of support for airport terminal grant application

Rodney Lincoln and project supporters told the Board they re-applied for an FAA multimodal grant to replace the county terminal building. The total project cost presented was $8.797 million, with the FAA multimodal grant expected to contribute $7.473 million and a local match of $1.623 million; the county’s immediate share was stated as roughly $568,000 after prior credits. Presenters said the university had provided a letter of support (no dollar amount) and the city and other partners had signaled nonbinding commitments to contribute toward the local match.

Supervisors asked for timeline and eligibility clarifications; presenters said the FAA response could come in March or April and that additional discretionary grants could reduce the county match if secured later. After discussing financing scenarios and confirming the county would not be required to pay immediately, Supervisor Little moved that the board provide a letter of support; the motion passed unanimously. The board asked staff to coordinate any formal commitment levels and return with firm figures if and when the FAA awards the grant.

The motion authorizes only a letter of support and staff review; no binding county appropriation was made at the meeting.