The Vermont Agency of Transportation is asking state lawmakers for permission to sell the Caledonia County State Airport — and it didn’t have to look far to find a buyer.
Beta Technologies, the South Burlington electric aircraft manufacturer, has expressed interest in taking the Lyndon airport out of state hands, Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn told members of the Senate Transportation Committee Thursday morning.
Flynn said airport users have been asking for unnecessary upgrades to the Northeast Kingdom facility for years, and the agency thought a private company could make the improvements faster than state. The airport’s main runway has not been seen for decades and its taxiways are also in poor condition, he said.
There are many other small airports — including some in Vermont — ahead of Caledonia in the queue for federal funding, Flynn told lawmakers. He estimates the renovations will cost up to $14 million and will be under continued public ownership for at least a decade.
“We are here to ask, before any such investment is made with limited public resources, can we – should we – take advantage of investment from the private sector in this rare public asset?” Flynn said Thursday. “And, in doing so, create a win-win?”
A Beta representative announced the company’s interest in a statement Thursday afternoon.
“To the extent that increased investment in the Caledonia County State Airport can unlock economic growth and workforce opportunities in the Kingdom, BETA and (CEO Kyle Clark) will be interested in being a part of that partnership.” talk,” wrote spokesman Jake Goldman.
Beta is seeking approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Recently, it announced that it will also build a more conventional electric airplane that will use runways to take off and land. The company plans to build its planes on a 40-acre technology and manufacturing campus at Burlington International Airport.
The Caledonia County airport, which has one state-owned hangar and a dozen privately owned ones, largely serves a local aviation community, according to Flynn.
The secretary is adamant that, if the state sells the airport to Beta or another private entity, it will negotiate an agreement that will ensure continued public access. The new owner must honor any existing leases at the time of the sale, he said.
VTrans officials gave the Senate Transportation Committee draft legislation Thursday that would allow the sale of the airport. The language, which could be added to this year’s omnibus transportation bill, allows the agency to “solicit proposals for the purchase of the Caledonia County State Airport.” The bill, H.479, has already cleared the House.
The Legislature has no say in who sells the airport, Flynn said.
“I mentioned one person, in a company, who showed interest,” said the secretary, referring to Clark, “and I let it go.”
All five committee members said they supported Flynn’s proposal, but wanted to hear more from airport users and local officials about the potential sale. Flynn said the agency plans to host a public meeting at the airport “in the near future.” The transportation committee may also take additional testimony about the plan.
Sen. Andrew Perchlik, D/P-Washington, proposed adding language to the agency’s proposed legislation that clearly states that public access will be preserved.
“I am very supportive and excited about this opportunity for Beta to grow further,” said Sen. Thomas Chittenden, D-Chittenden-Southeast, “and for anyone who wants to invest money in Caledonia, to grow part of Vermont.”