11/30/95 Wood/Conversation with R. Meierhenry, MDOTintoroffi ce
M E M O R A N D U M
to: Larry Gallagher, PECDD Director
from: Brian J. Wood'
subject: Conversation With R. Meierhenry, MDOT
date: November 30, 1995
I spoke with Redge Meierhenry of the MDOT's Aeronautics Division on Tuesday afternoon.
Redge had called at the behest of Mike Ferguson to discuss the willingness of his office to assist
the City of Kalispell in implementing its airport neighborhood plan. He also filled me in on the
loan and grant programs which his office administers.
Each year there is made available $95,000 in grant funds and $95,000 for loans. Over the two-
year life of the program, Redge estimated that approximately 75% of the monies were used to
match federal funds for eligible projects, though federal eligibility is by no means a prerequisite.
As you know, the city airport does not qualify at this time for federal dollars. He also mentioned
that they are more likely to approve requests for projects that are able to be undertaken and
completed immediately - as opposed to giving an airport a series of loans or grants over a period
of years for a project to be completed once enough money is accumulated.
The interest rate on the loan program is t/2 of the prime and is established in January of each year.
They are ten-year fixed -principal loans.
Redge suggested that the city concentrate on two aspects of the plan - land acquisition for the
runway extension and safety issues. He said he was somewhat familiar with the airport, and
questioned the need to fence the entire perimeter, If there are areas which allow uncontrolled
access onto the runway they should be fenced.