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Big Bear Airport secures $1.7 million in federal and state funding for snow removal equipment

The Airport District board is set to vote on accepting an FAA grant and applying for a Caltrans match that together would cover 94.5% of the cost of new snow removal equipment, leaving the district on the hook for about $95,000.

By Big Bear News1 min read1 source

The Big Bear Airport District is a step closer to replacing its snow removal equipment after landing a major federal grant — a critical upgrade for an airport that must keep its runway clear through mountain winters. At its Wednesday, September 9 meeting, the board will vote on accepting a $1,557,068 FAA grant and authorizing an application for an anticipated $77,853 Caltrans matching grant, together covering approximately 94.5% of the $1,730,075 project cost.

Getting to this point required some legwork. The district initially received word that only $1,330,000 in federal funding had been identified — a $227,068 shortfall. General Manager Ryan Goss took the issue directly to FAA District Manager Cathryn Cason at the Southwest American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) conference in July 2026, and the agency ultimately committed the full amount. The grant agreement arrived at the district on September 1, 2026.

What the board is being asked to approve

The board will consider two resolutions: Resolution No. 2026-04 to formally accept the FAA grant under AIP Project No. 3-06-0022-031-2026, and Resolution No. 2026-05 to authorize the application for the Caltrans AIP matching grant. Both would authorize General Manager Goss to execute all required documents.

If the Caltrans grant comes through as anticipated, the district's out-of-pocket share of the project would be $95,154, or 5.5% of the total cost. Staff is unanimously recommending approval of both resolutions, though it could not be confirmed whether any board members or community members have raised concerns about that local match obligation.

The meeting also includes a presentation by Ricky Hernandez of Stantec on a proposed expansion of Special Use Airspace tied to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms — a development that could affect flight operations in and out of Big Bear.

The September 9 meeting begins at 4:00 p.m. at the Temporary Terminal Building, 501 Valley Blvd., Big Bear City. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2026, also at 4:00 p.m. Residents can attend in person or contact the Airport Office at (909) 585-3219 for more information.

Sources (1)

  1. 1.
    Big Bear Airport District Board Agenda – September 9, 2026
    The total Snow Removal Equipment project is $1,730,075. The District has secured the federal funding necessary to proceed with the project.
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About: Big Bear Airport secures $1.7 million in federal and state funding for snow removal equipment

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