HUMAN RESOURCES SIERRA BLANCA REGIONAL AIRPORT

New Manager Spotlight: Sierra Blanca Regional Airport Airport Construction Update

Lee Baker started his career in Aviation Management approximately five years ago. Before his appointment as Sierra Blanca Regional Airport’s Manager, he served as the Interim Airport Administrator and the Airport Security Coordinator in Clovis, New Mexico. While at the Clovis Airport, Lee was involved in major construction projects and FAA inspections.

Lee has received specialized training, earned his basic and advanced Airport Safety and Operations Specialist Certifications, and FEMA Incident Command System Training. Instrumental in acquiring regional jet service from Clovis to Denver and Dallas, he is excited to join the Village of Ruidoso staff and focus on Sierra Blanca Regional Airport’s operations and potential growth opportunities at SBRA.

Construction on Runway 12/30 and Taxiway Bravo is moving forward. The Airport was closed from June 5 through June 27 for work at the intersections of Runways 12/30 and 06/24. Mesa Verde Construction and Bixby Electric were able to complete this portion of the reconstruction and open the Airport’s Runway 06/24 in time to allow a medical transport plane to land and fly out a very critical patient. The remainder of the project on Runway 12/30 and Taxiway Bravo has continued and is expected to be complete by the end of July or early August.

Funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New Mexico State Aviation Division, and the Village of Ruidoso, the project cost is just under $13 Million. The FAA grant was for approximately $9 Million, leaving the State and Village to share their portion of 10%. The additional $3.9 Million was received from the New Mexico State Aviation Division. Once this project is complete, it will be a significant upgrade for the Ruidoso area and the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport.