Dear Members,
Beginning in June 2022, the NvAA went through an RFP process to hire a lobbyist to carry out that task of obtaining an appropriation for the Nevada Fund for Aviation. The NvAA Board appointed a panel (Ken Moen, Phil Derner, Bob Switzer, and Dave Dietz) to review RFP submittals and create a short list for an interview. Following the interviews, the selection panel agreed unanimously to hire Susan Fisher of the McDonald Carano. In addition to the appropriation, the NvAA lobbied for supporting Elko’s need for air service support. Ultimately, politics played a big role in the Legislature pulling an appropriation for air service development but did approve amendments to the Air Service Development Commission. I am working with Kurt Haukohl to schedule a NATAC meeting and ultimately approve a plan for funding local matching funds at the full 6.25% . This is a big accomplishment for the NvAA and its membership. This support from the legislature for Nevada NPIAS airports (Clark and Washoe County airports are not able to participate in the Nevada Fund for Aviation). NvAA is already planning for the 2025 legislative session. But let’s celebrate this one by thanking our state representatives who approved its passage by a vote of 41-0 (with 1 member excused). The Senate approved AB58 13-8 (last minute wrangling removed the appropriation for air service development commission). Governor Lombardo signed AB58 into law on June 15th. Please take time to email thank the legislators and the Governor for supporting Nevada airports. I want to thank all of you who reached out to your local representatives and encouraging their support.
Below is the press release drafted for submittal to statewide media.
The Nevada Aviation Association (NvAA) and its membership encouraged Nevada’s 82nd legislature to appropriate $2 Million for the Nevada Fund for Aviation. Assemblyman Bert Gurr, representing parts of Elko, Eureka, Lincoln, Nye, and White Pine Counties introduced legislation appropriating money for the Fund. The Nevada Fund for Aviation helps rural counties meet local match requirements for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration. AIP grants are awarded to airports to maintain and improve facilities and infrastructure. The $2 Million in appropriated funds will leverage over $32 Million in FAA AIP grants for local airport projects with funding available July 1, 2023.
The legislation also amended existing law regarding the Air Service Development Commission (ASDC). Changes include moving the ASDC from the Department of Tourism to the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED). ASDC members are appointed by the Governor and include representatives from the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, a representative from a county with a population of 700,000 or more (currently Clark County), Nevada Association of Counties (NACO), the Nevada League of Cities, Nevada Resort Association, Nevada Aviation Association (NvAA), and a representative from a county with a population of less than 100,000. ASDC will develop a strategic plan for connecting the three economic hubs of the state (Elko, Reno, and Las Vegas) and opportunities to expand commercial air service to support communities and industry.
Best Regards,
Ken
