Ruidoso council approves new airport weather-advisory system for Sierra Blanca Regional Airport
May 28, 2026 | Ruidoso, Lincoln County, New Mexico
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The Village of Ruidoso council voted May 28 to accept a vendor quote from Mesotech International to replace the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport’s aging airport weather advisory system (AWAS).
Council members were told the 2008 system’s processor failed and the unit is obsolete, prompting staff to seek a state-price agreement purchase. Presenter Lee said Mesotech could complete installation by mid-June if an FAA airspace study now under review is approved and pushed through the agency’s offices. “They said they can have it done by mid‑June if we get everything in order,” Lee said.
Staff presented costs in the meeting record: an equipment amount transcribed as “121,88” (number unclear in the record), an installation cost identified as $22,760, and a combined total stated in the transcript as $143,848. Staff also said an optional annual maintenance and support line is separate from the quoted purchase price and identified a yearly maintenance fee of $5,000. “There is a subline on the agreement that allows us to have a maintenance contract … those will be outside of this current price,” Lee said, adding the maintenance package would warehouse required parts and allow remote monitoring so problems can be diagnosed before local staff discover them.
Councilor discussion focused on continuity of service and pilot access. Staff explained the AWAS feeds current conditions to pilots’ radios and reports to the FAA approximately every 20 minutes. Council members confirmed the vendor will use existing tower infrastructure for sensors and that the new system includes updated software and communications support.
A motion to accept the Mesotech quote under the referenced New Mexico statewide price agreement passed by roll call. Votes recorded in the transcript show councilors present voting in favor.
Next steps: staff will await FAA clearance on the airspace study before scheduling installation and will return to council if any procurement or contract details require further action.
Council members were told the 2008 system’s processor failed and the unit is obsolete, prompting staff to seek a state-price agreement purchase. Presenter Lee said Mesotech could complete installation by mid-June if an FAA airspace study now under review is approved and pushed through the agency’s offices. “They said they can have it done by mid‑June if we get everything in order,” Lee said.
Staff presented costs in the meeting record: an equipment amount transcribed as “121,88” (number unclear in the record), an installation cost identified as $22,760, and a combined total stated in the transcript as $143,848. Staff also said an optional annual maintenance and support line is separate from the quoted purchase price and identified a yearly maintenance fee of $5,000. “There is a subline on the agreement that allows us to have a maintenance contract … those will be outside of this current price,” Lee said, adding the maintenance package would warehouse required parts and allow remote monitoring so problems can be diagnosed before local staff discover them.
Councilor discussion focused on continuity of service and pilot access. Staff explained the AWAS feeds current conditions to pilots’ radios and reports to the FAA approximately every 20 minutes. Council members confirmed the vendor will use existing tower infrastructure for sensors and that the new system includes updated software and communications support.
A motion to accept the Mesotech quote under the referenced New Mexico statewide price agreement passed by roll call. Votes recorded in the transcript show councilors present voting in favor.
Next steps: staff will await FAA clearance on the airspace study before scheduling installation and will return to council if any procurement or contract details require further action.
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