Chehalis-Centralia Airport Master Plan Update: Paving the Way for Innovation and Sustainability
Key Ideas
  • The Chehalis-Centralia Airport aims to become a demonstrator airport, showcasing innovation and sustainability in the aviation industry.
  • The updated master plan includes short-, medium-, and long-term development goals focusing on advanced air mobility, hydrogen development, and enhanced infrastructure.
  • Efforts are being made to secure funding from various sources, including grants for hydrogen feasibility studies, clean energy projects, and infrastructure enhancements.
  • The airport's future plans also involve increasing parking capacity, realigning taxiways, adding solar panels, and addressing issues like flooding and hangar space shortages.
The Chehalis-Centralia Airport is undergoing a significant transformation with the completion of its master plan update, awaiting approval from the FAA. Airport Director Brandon Rakes and project manager Leah Whitfield presented a vision for the airport to the Chehalis City Council, emphasizing the goal of becoming a demonstrator airport for innovation and sustainability in the aviation industry. The update process, which began in June 2023, involved public input and focused on development goals to meet future aviation demand over the next 20 years. The new master plan includes ambitious initiatives such as a hydrogen development area, advanced air mobility operations, and infrastructure enhancements to accommodate emerging technologies like unmanned aerial systems and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Short-term goals involve parking expansions, while mid-term objectives include realigning taxiways, adding solar panels for equipment storage, and addressing flooding risks. Long-term plans encompass the replacement of aging systems like the automated weather system and the addition of more hangars due to projected increases in airport usage. To fund these projects, the airport has applied for various grants, including a hydrogen feasibility study grant, clean energy grants, and other financing options from state and federal sources. The collaborative efforts between airport staff, consultants, and government entities indicate a positive outlook for the airport's future development. By embracing innovation and sustainability, the Chehalis-Centralia Airport aims to set a precedent for modern aviation practices and secure a sustainable pathway for growth and efficiency.
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