November 7, 2017 To Whom It May Concern:
As you know, Central Washington University’s Department of Aviation continues to grow and evolve; enrollment increased more than 70 percent between 2014 and 2017. It has become a vital program in training pilots and aviation professionals not only in the state of Washington, but also throughout the region. We are concerned that this positive growth, beneficial to both the university and county as a whole, is at risk because of the deteriorating condition of the facilities at Bowers Field and the lack of communication among Kittitas County and other important stakeholders, such as the university and the City of Ellensburg. Significant decisions and actions have taken place with little or virtually no consultation with key partners including the shut-down of the secondary runway, consideration of the location for a new waste transfer station at Bowers Field, and consideration and pursuit of the sale of the main hanger to a private party. Although CWU assumes responsibility for the lease of the hanger this month and the lease is active through October 2023, we were not consulted at the outset of these conversations and have not been consulted directly as conversations have continued. Additionally, the university has serious concerns about the overall management and direction of the airport facilities. There needs to be a finalized masterplan for the airport that reflects the importance of the airport to the county and helps to resolve many of the current issues with the property. Issues include, but are not limited to, a lack of maintenance on such assets as the runway, buildings, lights, cement, etc.; and a lack of timely services, such as slow snow removal on runways that can negatively impact CWU’s flight operations. One of our greatest frustrations has been the absence of clear and timely communication from the county. In addition to infrequent communication from the Public Works Director, who oversees the airport, there have been poorly managed Airport Advisory Board meetings and, most importantly, a refusal by the county to create a written agreement to keep the airport viable and operational for CWU’s flight school operations, which have been ongoing for more than seven decades. We want to be good partners with the county, but a partnership requires a willingness to meet regularly, communicate, and share information on the part of all involved parties. As we move ahead with our planning for the next few years and beyond, we need predictability and stability, particularly when it comes to investing in new equipment and facilities. We want to find fair and equitable solutions, but that process needs to begin with all partners acting in good faith.
Sincerely,
Katherine Frank, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Life
Department of Public Affairs Central Washington University 400 E. University Way | Ellensburg, WA 98926-7505 509-963-1221 | www.cwu.edu/public-affairs
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