Sun Valley Aviation could be in Harlingen airport by next year
By MARK REAGAN/Special to the Star
HARLINGEN — Sun Valley Aviation could be fully operational at Valley International Airport in early 2013, Airport Director Michael Browning said.
But a few things have to happen first.
“One of the primary steps is to advertise the construction of the apron and accept bids on that,” Browning said. “As soon as we have those bids in hand, we will apply for the grant with the Federal Aviation Administration.”
The FAA has told Browning the $1.5 million grant could come in April, the same time the aviation agency may rule on Sun Valley Aviation’s complaint against the airport.
The VIA board and City Commission have to vote to accept the grant.
“If that’s accepted by the airport board and the city, we will award a contract for construction and get busy,” Browning said.
He said VIA and Sun Valley Aviation would most likely sign a lease after that happens.
Sun Valley Aviation president Clyde Kornegay said once the north apron and parking lot are built, SVA will begin construction of its facilities.
“Construction of the initial facilities to be built by Sun Valley Aviation will take approximately six months,” he said via email.
The Harlingen City Commission approved the VIA board’s amended budget Monday night, ending five years of contentious negotiations to bring a second fixed-base operation to Valley International Airport.
The VIA board amended its budget to allow for $400,000 to build a parking lot and north apron.
The parking lot would cost $250,000 and the north apron $1.5 million, with $150,000 from city funds
“Last night’s decision was important, but it is simply the first step in a process which we hope will culminate in Sun Valley Aviation being able to operate at Valley International Airport,” Kornegay said Tuesday.
