Significant Steps Forward At Airport Authority Meeting

The Airport Authority made two big decisions at their meeting today – decisions that will potentially have a positive impact on our community for decades to come.

First, the Airport Authority identified Pittsburgh-based PCA Development (PCA) as the probable high bidder for the existing airport property. PCA’s $75 million bid includes $61 million in cash and $14 million in transfer fees from future real estate sales within the 715-acre property. Final negotiations will begin as soon as possible.

Talks will continue with the other finalists in the event negotiations with PCA fail to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

This community owes its thanks to Bill Cramer for leading the Airport Authority’s negotiating efforts. We are getting a very good price for the property, and certainly far more than many naysayers in the community expected.

In a second major decision, the Airport Authority selected Houston-based KBR as the program manager/construction manager for the new airport. Negotiations with KBR will also begin immediately.

These are both significant steps forward in the process, and as usual, the Airport Authority has moved forward in a prudent, fiscally responsible, business-like manner.

Serving on the airport board is a tough job, and sometimes controversial, and we are fortunate to have strong local leadership.