Seeks Help From The Public To Fund Runway Repairs

Ocean Ridge Airport in Gualala, CA opened in 1963, and the privately-owned public-use airport has become an asset to the coastal community in northwest California.

The airport's website reports that in 2013, the airport was notified by the state of California's Department of Transportation (Caltrans) that its runways had degraded to a point that the airport may lose its operating permit. Caltrans said in a report that the runway exhibited “severe raveling and loss of asphalt aggregates” which could lead to Foreign Object Damage (FOD) to tires, windscreens and propellers.

The agency set a deadline for runway repairs of September, 2014, or "Caltrans may be forced to take permit action."

The Ocean Ridge Airport Association is turning to the public for help to fund repairs to the runway. They have established a crowdfunding campaign to raise the money needed to keep the airport open. The owner of the airport, Mr. John Bower, is not himself a pilot, but he has operated the airport as a public-use facility for the benefit of the community. He is not, however able to afford the repairs mandated by the state.

The cost of the repair is estimated at $60,000, according to a notice sent by the association to its supporters. Fundraising efforts so far have collected about $15,000. Contributions to the effort can be made online. 

FMI: http://oceanridgeairport.org