The Silver Springs Airport got highest priority when the Lyon County commissioners had to choose the top two projects out of four applicants for federal Community Development Block Grants.
Hale Bennett, airport manager, told the commissioners his request for $118,000 for a fire- suppression water line complete with pipes, hydrants and fittings was essential to the airport's ability to expand, as well as the community's growth.
He told the commissioners that he could not construct any buildings or hangars at the airport without fire-suppression capability.
Bennett introduced Dennis Sassaman, a principal in the development of the airport.
"We've been pursuing airport development for 18 months," he said. "We have master plan configurations, but the most important thing is the fire-suppression line."
The other project selected was Lyon County Utilities request for $170,000 to replace water lines and meters, and install shut-off valves for customers of Crystal Clear Water Co. near Yerington. The Utilities Department took over the private water company last year.
"I weighed the needs of all and also looked at the greater needs of the community," said Commissioner Leroy Goodman, as he moved to select the airport request first and the utility second.
The two entities that will not receive grant funds are the Silver Springs General Improvement District, which requested $38,900 to complete a preliminary engineering plan for its wastewater plant expansion; and Silver Springs Entertainment and Arts, which requested $39,532 to begin construction on a youth center on the historic Stockton Wells property.
No one from either group appeared before the commission.
• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 351.