Port seeks grant for sprinklers

MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake applied for a federal grant to partially fund a $1.8 million to $2.8 million sprinkler system inside the former Japan Airlines hangar.

The sprinkler system is needed to accommodate the arrival of Fairchild Air Force Base’s fixed wing operations in January.

Fairchild is moving its operations to the port and Spokane International Airport while it repairs its runway.

“We’re looking at if we have to install it before they arrive or after,” Craig Baldwin, the port’s executive manager, commented. “We’re working with Fairchild on a regular basis to determine their operational needs.”

If the Economic Development Administration grant is awarded, it would pay for half the cost of the system, Baldwin said.

The port would pay the remaining half, either from reserves or bonding.

The port is looking at different ways to fund the work.

“It goes against the value of the building, then we would pick it back up in rent,” Baldwin explained. “We have a little work ahead of us, but we have some time.”

David Bailey, the port’s project consultant, said the port is looking at the most cost-effective options.

A sprinkler and foam system would cost about $2.8 million and the sprinkler system alone comes to about $1.8 million.

Between 100 to 200 airmen are expected next year, with between 10 to 22 aircraft.

“It depends on where they’re at in the world and what their needs are operationally,” Baldwin said about the aircraft figure.

It’s the port’s understanding crews would stay in Moses Lake for three or four days, return home for a few days and then come back to Moses Lake.

Fairchild is working with Big Bend Community College to use its dormitories for airmen housing, as well as supplementing its needs with hotels or motels, Bailey said.

The port is also looking at adjusting its maintenance schedule to accommodate Fairchild’s arrival.

It may help the port to complete more maintenance this year, or rework areas it was planning on, to ensure work doesn’t interfere with Fairchild’s operations.

Bailey said Fairchild’s refueling squadron is flying KC-135 aircraft with modified engines.

“It’s a much quieter airplane the community experienced than when we had the tankers here before,” he commented.