In a separate move related to the airport, council approved extending a contract with Tartaglia Engineering for consulting services in planning, design and seeking grants for the airport.
The council moves were welcomed by Tulare Aviation Commission member Arthur Clark.
“We have an asset the city (is) using as much as I can see,” he said. “I feel we have an asset. There’s a lot transportation we can do.”
Tulare Property Services Manager Steve Bonville said the layout plan illustrates the correct location of all airport components. A previous grant request was denied because the layout plan was outdated.
In total, the layout plan will cost $102,000. The Federal Aviation Administration will put in $91,800, while the state will likely add $4,590 that will be included with the $5,610 council approved. City administrators requested $10,200 in case the state’s fund are denied.
Bonville said the opportunity for the grant came up suddenly. And airport support needed to seized the opportunity.
“We have this opportunity for a grant,” said Ray Dias, aviation commission chairperson. “We were offered this grant.”
Deputy City Manager Margee Fallert said the money council approved is well spent as it will help bring in federal funds.
“This is money we can leverage well,” she said. “We won’t be eligible for continued funds unless we have this plan.”
City administrators said the Layout Plan would be the latest improvement at the airport. Recently, a runway rehab project was completed, Bonville said.
Future projects include attracting an equipment store, and installing bathrooms and safety improvements, Bonville said.
“That will put us on the map,” Council member Skip Barwick said.
Clark, a local business owner, said recently a service provider flew up from Southern California, landed at the Tulare airport. After finishing his job, he flew back, avoiding the long drive over The Grapevine.
“We can get other people to come out,” he said.
Council member Carlton Jones, whose district includes the airport, said he would like to see efforts organized to raise money to help with grant matching requests. He also said he would be willing to help and be involved in the fundraising.
For the Tartaglia contract, Bonville said the company has a good track record in providing airport consulting services. Boneville said Tartaglia is used in almost in a contingency plan when it comes to funding.
“Typically, we don’t use Tartaglia for anything, but for grant finding opportunities,” he said. “Think of it as pro bono. If they don’t get the grant, they don’t get matching funds.”
- Source: http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com
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