This action will approve an agreement with Gorge Aviation Services (GAS) to assume management of day to day operations of the airport, while increasing certain administrative functions performed through contract.

Hermiston Aviation Services (HAS), the current airport caretakers, have overseen day to day operations of the airport since the early 1980s.  HAS continues to provide an excellent service for the city, and the company began to work with City Staff this Spring to identify a successor.

GAS recently relocated their mechanic function from Dallesport, WA (The Dalles), to the Hermiston airport this Spring.  In addition to offering a full-service aviation mechanical shop, the company previously provided airport management services for Dallesport, which included assistance with capital project management, FAA coordination, and economic development on land-side facilities.

City Staff published a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide Airport Management services this Spring.  Submissions were reviewed by the Airport Board, and GAS was unanimously recommended to assume airport caretaker duties, as well as some expanded administrative functions, which include FAA Grant coordination, Capital Project Management, ground/hangar lease management, and proactive development of land-side facilities for economic development.

1. Approve Airport Management Agreement with Gorge Aviation Services 

2. Do not approve Airport Management Agreement with Gorge Aviation Services