Airport’s terminal progresses

The County Planning Commission has approved a use permit for Del Norte County Airport’s new terminal.

It’s one more step toward eventual construction of the terminal to replace the existing one, which the Federal Aviation Administration has deemed unsuitable.

However, there are more steps to be taken before locals will see the terminal take shape, said Airport Manager Jim Bernard. In a best-case scenario, construction could begin next fall, he said.

The Planning Commission’s decision can be appealed to the California Coastal Commission, which could delay the project.

If that happens, “I will meet directly with Coastal and work it out,” Bernard said, to find a “mutually satisfiable” solution.

The terminal is slated to be built in the undeveloped area along Dale Rupert Road, which means some trees would have to be cut down. That is a concern to some, Bernard said.

The coastal development permit allows the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority to build the terminal in that spot. However, the county planning department suggested some changes to  the layout of the terminal, entrance road, aircraft apron and parking lot, Bernard said.

By not paving a new entrance road and moving the parking lot closer to the runway by Dale Rupert Road, several acres of trees would not have to be cut down. With the planning department’s suggested changes to the termina’s layout, less than an acre of wetlands and 3-4 acres of trees will be impacted, Bernard said.

Designing the terminal has been a balancing act, trying to make sure all regulations of the FAA, the Transportation Security Administration, and state and federal environmental laws are met, Bernard explained.

The next step will be finalizing the terminal’s design and construction plans. Then, the airport board will have to apply for a grading permit from the county, which allow the land to be cleared and paved as necessary. After that, the board will apply for a building permit and construction can begin.

In addition, the airport board will have to secure financing for the project.

The FAA could pay for 80-95 percent of the new terminal, Bernard said. But before the airport board can apply for funding, the Coastal Commission has to sign off on that the project is consistent with the state Coastal Act and the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, he said.

The board will also be looking for grant money and possibly Oregon Department of Transportation funds to  help pay for the new terminal, since the region served by the airport includes Oregon.