Projects

Runway Lighting:

  • In summer of 2018 the Port replaced old PAPI’s, REIL’s, runway edge lights and taxiway signs at the airport.
  • The new lights will be low wattage LED’s lowering energy usage, maintenance and increase relialibility.
  • The Port eliminated unnecessary signs and relocated them to the east side and a greater distance from the runway for safety.
  • This $800,000 project was 90% FAA, 5% WSDOT and 5% Port funded.

The Master Plan Up Date in progress.

  • The new updated master plan will be completed in 2018.
  • The master plan is a requirement of the FAA and mostly funded by FAA AIP monies.
  • The follow up to the master plan in 2019, will be the FAA required Environmental Assessment of future projects identified in the Master Plan.

Bayview Day Park

  • Purchased by the Port in 2015, serving both visitors and local citizens…..enjoy!
  • In 2017 Fred Fickenwirth donated labor to build a swing, the picnic table labor was donated by Laura Adams.

New Fly-In camping and Picnic Shelter

  • The Port received an economic developement grant from the county to build a picnic shelter and install a fly-in camping area.
  • This project was completed in summer 2017.
  • Volunteers: Bruce Dunlop wrote grant and helped build the shelter, Kenn Aufderhar helped build the shelter and Dan Courier designed the shelter.

Hazardous Tree Removal:

  • Many trees had been encroaching on aircraft landing at the airport mandating an obstruction removal project by the FAA.
  • The commission started a major project in 2012 of purchasing property and removing trees at both ends of the airport.
  • The trees were cleared in 2017 on the north end property purchased by the Port.

Solar Voltaic System Added to the Airport:

  • In 2014 the Port installed a 25Kw photo voltaic system that is producing approximately half of the airports electrical needs, cutting electrical costs by 50%.
  • This $82,000 investment has about a 12 year pay back depending on variables such as sunlight.
  • By 2018, the system has produced 93,000 Kw hours electricity.
  • The photo voltaic system will greatly save taxpayers over the life of the system as well as reducing the Port’s reliance on mainland power.

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Reconstruction of the Taxi-way:

In the summer of 2011 the Port had a major AIP reconstruction project of the Taxi-way, connectors and apron.

  • A $2.4 million dollar project, FAA funded 90%, WSDOT 5% and Port of Lopez 5%.
  • The project required multiple runway closures
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Islands’ First Cell Tower

  • Cell tower was built and paid for by Sprint Nextel in 2007.
  • An initial site in Lopez Village was controversial, a compromise site at the airport was accepted.
  • The Port owns the tower and leases space to Sprint.
  • This is the first and tallest cell tower on Lopez.