Report Prepared by: Martin Pehl, Airport Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Update to the City Council on the Merced Regional Airport and Federal C.A.R.E.S. Grant
REPORT IN BRIEF
Presentation to the City Council regarding the status of the Merced Regional Airport and proposed use of the FEDERAL C.A.R.E.S Grant awarded to the City of Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - For Information, Discussion, and Direction.
Body
DISCUSSION
The Merced Regional Airport serves both the general aviation clientele and those seeking commercial service. The City acquired the airfield in 1932, and from 1940 to present, MacReady Field transitioned into the Merced Regional Airport (MCE).
Approximately 69 aircraft are based at the Airport. Full Fixed Based Operator services (repairs, maintenance, annual check-ups, and fuel) are available at the Airport. Hangars and tie-downs are available for lease that are handled by Airport staff. The MCE runway is approximately 5914-feet by 150-feet
Commercial service is provided by Boutique Air with flights to Los Angeles International Airport and Sacramento International Airport. Boutique Air offers service to the Merced through a Federal Aviation Administration program called Essential Air Service (EAS) which provides a subsidy to the carrier.
Two staff members staff the Airport, an Airport Manager and Airport Operations Technician up until FY 2020-2021. Now, staff includes an Economic Development Associate, transitioned from the former Welcome Center, and a portion of a Senior Management Analyst for public relations, social media, and marketing support.
The Merced Airport Master Plan, prepared in 2007, provides the framework and direction on projects regarding the Airport's growth and expansion. Projects are identified, coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration, and then incorporated into an Airport Improvement Program (AIP.)
The Airport has been a draw on the City's General Fund with the hope of generating enough rev...
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