MBS Airport Manager Speaks On New Terminal Project
March 10, 2009
By: Stephen Kent
Last Weeks Meeting - March 3, 2009
MBS Airport Manager Jeffrey Nagle spoke to the Rotary Club last week about the local facility's past, present and future. Nagle joined the airport in 2002 as assistant manager. He became manager in 2004.
The airport is jointly owned by the cities of Midland and Saginaw and Bay County. These three governmental bodies operate the airport through the Airport Commission with each community providing three commissioners.
The Airport Commission hires the airport manager. The airport has a full time staff of 28 which includes administration, maintenance, custodians and its own fire department.
MBS is somewhat unique in among municipal airports in that it does not receive tax funds. All operating funds are derived from facility leasing, landing fees, and federal FAA funds. The airport is responsible for covering all its expenses.
The airport management and commission have no control over air fares or other air carrier related matters. They can, and do, however market the facility to carriers. The FAA regulates much of the relation between airports and carriers. The airport can offer some incentives such as waiving landing fees for a period of time in exchange for new service.
Perhaps the biggest change at the airport is the planned new terminal to be built on the north side of the airport property. Nagle said that the planned terminal is the result of considerable study and planning done in a transparent fashion and complying with all federal and state regulations.
The study considered remodeling the existing facility, which is rapidly becoming obsolete. It was determined that renovation would cost more than a new building. Expanding and building onto the existing facility was considered but was not practical. A new terminal will answer the needs of the airport and its passengers in the most cost effective manner.
Construction of the new terminal will come from federal, local and state sources but will not use local tax dollars. It is anticipated that 70% of the funds will be provided by the FAA.
Among questions asked was the status of the Sky Room, which was once a popular restaurant. Nagle said that the facility is still in use. It is leased to a private company that uses the spaces for meetings, dinners, parties and wedding receptions,
CLUB NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS
The club is looking forward to the Lee and Mollie Newton concert on March 26 at the State Theater at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Members are encouraged to attend and to invite their friends.
President Elect Anne Trahan will represent the club at the Rotary International Conference in England next year.
The international night committee, under Eric Jylha's leadership, is forming. Anyone interested in helping should talk to Eric.
The Community Grants committee is accepting applications from local groups seeking funding of projects. Check the club web site at rotarybaycity.org for full information.
Applications are being accepted for an outbound Ambassadorial Scholar.
GSE Team from Thailand is scheduled to be here April 5 through 10. Contact Hratch for more information.
A Polio Vaccination Trip is being organized for Nigeria from May 2 to May 12. Anyone interested should contact Chuck Cusick.
Second Vocational Day will be March 24.
Upcoming Programs
(See the official schedule at
RotaryBayCity.org )
March 17:
Living Green Our own Anne Trahan will show us how she is living green on St. Patrick's Day
March 24:
Vocational Day Second of two job shadowing day for high school students. Dr. Eric Gilbertson, President of Saginaw Valley State University, to speak on Youth of Tomorrow,Their Choices and Saginaw Valley
April 7:
GSE team from Thailand
Visit
RotaryBayCity.org
