Airport grand opening Saturday

The new Hot Springs County Airport grand opening is slated to take place Saturday, Nov 7.

The grand opening celebration will start at 9:30 a.m. when the first plane will land at the airport, signaling the lifting of the NOTAM (notice to airmen) and the opening of the airport to the public.

At 11 a.m. Governor Matt Mead will fly into the airport, and shortly after at 11:15 a.m. the master of ceremonies will give a welcome speech and introduce the guest speakers to the podium.

At 11:45 a.m. the ceremonial opening will take place with a ribbon cutting. Lunch, catered by Incredible Edibles, will be served at noon.

Children 16 and under will be given a ticket to win a free flight on the afternoon of Nov. 7 for themselves and one adult over the age of 18. Drawing will be held at noon. Must be present to win.

The new airport is approximately 10 miles northwest of Thermopolis off of highway 120. The groundbreaking took place on Sept. 13, 2012. Actual construction started on Oct. 16.

The new airport, according to GDA engineers, cost approximately $22 million. Funding was provided by grants from the Federal Aviation Administration, Wyoming Department of Transportation State Aeronautics, Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments and local agencies.

Nate Messenger has been hired as the fixed based operator (FBO) of the airport. Messenger, who owns Owl Creek Aviation, LLC, will hold this position until June 30, 2020.

As FBO, Messenger will be in charge of all airport activities including light maintenance, sale of fuel, maintaining airport equipment and facility inspections.

More information can be found at http://www.gdaengineers.com/hsc.