Commissioners hear updates on airport, road project

The Hot Springs County Board of Commissioners sat Tuesday for their monthly day-long session which heard updates on the new county airport from both GDA Engineers and airport FBO Nate Messenger, updates about the future Black Mountain Road project and Barb Rice’s monthly report from Youth Alternatives.

Updates on the new airport were the first order of business with GDA CEO Dustin Spomer informing the board about new airport business. A hydraulic gate, which is not functioning properly, was among the first updates on the airport.

The gate, which was built in Billings by the same company that made the hydraulic gate for the old airport, is in need of a part that will allow it to function properly. A subcontractor for the airport project has obtained this part and the gate will be repaired shortly.

Spomer added the airport’s underdrain project was going according to plan, and there was no significant news about the project.

Airport FBO Nate Messenger reported that the new airport had 72 total recorded operations since its opening, with just over half of the month’s activity during the Nov. 7 grand opening. Messenger added that fuel sales were on par with the old airport.

Dustin Spomer then explained to the board GDA’s current suggestions for the Black Mountain Road project, which seeks to rebuild, or at least maintain, the failing road. Spomer suggested various ways to pay for the recommended project, which was recently revealed at a public meeting.

Although Spomer said GDA was willing to help with any questions the board had about possible funding routes, decisions about applying for grants to provide funding for the project will be left to the commissioners.

Barb Rice, of Youth Alternatives, then gave her monthly report for November, during which eight males and five females were referred to the program. Rice stated that Youth Alternatives had a number of holiday activities planned.

Finally, Rice mentioned the need for a security camera, which would “provide accountability both ways,” for youths and employees alike. The board then voted unanimously to approve the purchase of security cameras for the Youth Alternatives office.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Brad Basse clarified that during the last commissioner’s meeting he had stated that no formal written complaints had been received by the board, and that Basse and GDA engineer Jeremy Gilb were reaching out to residents living near the airport to make sure there was not an issue with the lighting beacon.

Basse and Gilb were acting proactively to make sure the beacon was acceptable to nearby residents.