Del Norte County Grand Jury 2011-2012 Final Report

We were advised that the airport provides service for approximately 14,000 passengers per year, but it needs to average 25,000 per year to attract additional airlines. There is currently an Essential Air Service (EAS) subsidy to maintain flights into our rural airport, but they come with restrictions as to where the flights can go. The flights are required to give passengers access to a medium (Portland or Sacramento) or major (Seattle or San Francisco) hub and the subsidy contract is for a single provider. The current provider is limited by association with partnered airlines as to which direction hub it flies into. One of the airport renovations discussed by members of the Authority has been the choice of using onsite septic or attaching to the City of Crescent City’s sewer system. The extension of City sewer service to the airport benefits the area by improving infrastructure in that area, and allows for future expansion. There is also the choice of enlarging existing water service to meet fire suppression requirements or pay to build an onsite water storage facility. The choice to have City sewer and enlarge the city water line to meet construction requirements could greatly enhance future growth in and around the airport. An outside agency provided funding for labor to assist in painting of BCRAA hangars, the unmanned FAA building, Airport Terminal and TSA security buildings. They also assisted with ground maintenance including clearing and grubbing of land. These activities have greatly improved the appearance of the airport grounds and buildings. The support funding ended November of 2011. Note: CEC are the assigned letters designated by FAA given to the Del Norte County Regional Airport, Jack McNamara Field. Conclusion: The grounds and buildings associated with the airport are clean and appear to be well maintained. Structures look well-kept but some, especially the airport terminal, are showing their age. We greatly appreciate the Airport Director and his administrative assistant complying with all our requests pertaining to their jobs and explanations of projects currently in progress. The renovation of our local airport is needed to support stable economic growth and improve services for patrons. As a gateway to this region, it is essential to develop a positive first and lasting impression to visitors and locals alike. We view the actions taken by the BCRAA Board of Commissioners and the airport staff to update and renovate the Border Coast Regional Airport to be a positive step to improve economic growth in this region.