$250,000 Runway Repairs Before Airport Expansion

Hollister Municipal Airport, CA, is looking for money. Not just the $250,000 from the FAA to repair its runways in the coming month, but millions of dollars in federal grants for airport expansion.

So said Airport Manager Bill Gere to the Hollister Free Lance. But, he notes, the airport must take care of basic maintenance (runway repair), before moving on to more ambitious programs.

"We have our book of dreams, while the (FAA) has its practical requirements," Gere said. "We ask them for millions of dollars, and they give us half a million bucks."

Last year, Gere requested $43 million to fund airport improvements, including the construction of new taxiways and the purchase of new land which could be used for a new airport hotel and restaurant, as well as more businesses. At the time, Gere said it was unlikely he'd get all of the requested funds.

"You can't get it unless you ask first," he said. "You have to play the game and ask for the moon."

Gere said Thursday that the FAA wants the airport -- which is home to about 150 planes -- to take care of the much-neglected runways before the agency will consider a larger grant. The $250,000 he's requested will be used for general runway maintenance, including restriping and crack sealing.

Gere also said he's planning to scale back his larger request from $40 million to $20 million, which would be spent over five years.

Former City Councilman Robert Scattini, who is also a pilot, agrees that the runway needs improvement; gravel on the runways remains a major problem, he said, because planes can kick gravel off the ground, and that gravel can chip the planes' propellers.

Scattini added that he hopes Gere will also succeed in getting money for the larger growth plan.

"The airport needs to grow," he said. "I really hope we do get the money."

Gere said he should find out about the maintenance grant in about a month. He is not without his critics, however. Said Fred Meyer, who has a plane at the airport, "I'm glad to hear it (current funding efforts) -- if I can believe it."

Meyer said the airport hasn't gotten the funds it needs in the past because of Gere's failure to provide the FAA with the necessary paperwork.

FAA officials could not be reached for comment.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.hollister.ca.gov/Site/html/gov/office/airport.asp