SUBLETTE COUNTY – In a process that began earlier this year, Sublette County commissioners and the Big Piney Airport Board smoothed the path ahead for the county to pursue buying low-lying airport acreage by the Sublette County Fairgrounds.

The conversations among both boards’ members began with discussing the possibility of Sublette County leasing or swapping 80 acres at Miley Memorial Field that could enhance parking, delivery, storage and other non-aviation uses at the fairgrounds. The action is subject to FAA approval; the public facility is owned by the Big Piney-Marbleton Airport Board (BPA).

BPA board member Keith Hughes and JUB Aviation engineer Chuck Larson appeared via Zoom at the Board of Sublette County Commissioners’ Dec. 5 meeting, attended by county chair Sam White, Mack Bradley, Dave Stephens, Doug Vickrey and Tom Noble with county attorney Clayton Melinkovich.

“Keith called me a few days ago and asked if we had dropped (a possible purchase),” Bradley said. “I said we had not; we were just exploring our options. He encouraged us to continue on acquiring this piece of property.”

At their Nov. 21 meeting, commissioners had decided to seek an appraisal, have that reviewed and provide a list of potential uses that are FAA compatible. Examples of prohibited uses include residential housing, electrical interference with the airport’s systems or activities causing smoke.

Larson said the airport board bought the property 23 years ago for a possible crossway, but that land is too low.

“(The FAA) do want to know what kind of operation you’re going to have,” and the airport board can sell the property or “certainly can lease it,” he said.

FAA does need to approve the property’s release, which could take 90 to 120 days because the request must go to FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C. “You just never know with the feds,” Larson said.

He was asked if the county would face additional costs or fees. The boards might need to meet with WYDOT, which provided the original grant money for the BPA purchase. Larson also pointed out WYDOT has the ability to review the appraisal.

Melinkovich said one appraiser responded in the past to a request for proposals with a $2,500 estimate and he would “reengage.” The review would cost $1,500 to $2,500 and Larson’s fee for navigating the FAA process would cost the county $8,000.

“If we pay your fee, is there a 90, 60 percent chance of getting the land,” White asked.

Larson said 60 to 90 percent was just about right – “Every time we deal with headquarters – you just don’t know.”

On paper, all requirements are met for a long-term lease as well although those could be difficult to appraise, Melinkovich said. Larson said WYDOT has plenty of information about lease values for non-aviation property.

The county would contract with the appraiser and WYDOT, Larson explained. For his work, the county would reimburse the airport board.

Noble asked, “When we get to a purchase price, we can structure it in the budget for a number of years? If the airport board stays as they are, we’ll work through this purchase price with this board?”

“Yes,” Hughes said. “We have a board that’s very agreeable.”

White asked for the commissioners’ thoughts.

“I’d like to take the gamble and get down the road for an appraisal,” Bradley said.

Sublette County commissioners will make a formal vote once an engagement letter and “potential uses” list come before them, possibly at their Dec. 19 meeting.