Runway relocation slated for 2020

OROVILLE – The long awaited approval of the revised Capital Improvement Plan for Oroville’s Dorothy Scott International Airport was received from the Federal Aviation Administration.

City Clerk Kathy Jones made the announcement at the Tuesday, Feb. 4 meeting of the Oroville City Council. The plan calls for crack sealing, seal coating, pavement marking and apron reconstruction. This project gets rid of the taxiways and builds aprons at each end of the runway which can be used even after the runway is moved. The project will begin sometime later this year.

“We wanted to be able to spend as little as possible and what we do spend not be ripped out when we are ready to do the relocation,” said Jones.

The runway relocation project remains several years out as the city saves towards its portion of the costs.

“The environmental study for the runway relocation is planned for 2019, with construction not until 2020,” said Jones.

“This is all very exciting,” said Councilman Ed Naillon.

Mayor Chuck Spieth also received approval of Resolution 531 declaring February 2014 as General Aviation Month. Councilman Tony Koepke made the resolution, which was seconded by Naillon and approved unanimously.

 STP Grant Application

The hearing to amend the city’s 2014-2019 Six-Year Transportation Program was cancelled as the application the city had made to resurface Central/Ridge Drive from Main Street west to the city limits, including sidewalk upgrades, was not selected for funding. If the city had been selected to receive the STP funds for the project, the amendment would have been required.

Ambulance Standby Request

A request for the ambulance to stand by at Molson for the NW Ice Fishing Festival was turned down, despite be approved in past years. Ambulance Coordinator Debra Donahue reported that the city could be left shorthanded if the request was approved because three members of the crew were still taking classes in Tonasket on Saturdays. Donahue added that maybe members of the county’s search and rescue team could be at the event. She added that the ambulance would respond to the event if needed, however.

Donahue also reported that the EMR class has been completed with six graduates with scores over 80 percent. Two students, however, did not complete the class and have reimbursed the city for the costs. A third, who successfully completed the course, but is moving from the area, will reimburse the city as well.

The next meeting of the Oroville City Council will be Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in the city council chambers located at 1308 Ironwood St.