BDA Executive Director Joe B. Montez explained the bulk of the money, if awarded, will be spent on hangar and other facility improvements for Sikorsky and Kay and Associates.
If approved, the money will come from federal stimulus program funds.
Montez said the BDA and Coastal Bend College also are applying together for $500,000 of that money to be used to upgrade facilities and other amenities for the air frame and power technology program at the college.
Students in that program qualify for jobs at the Sikorsky helicopter operation at the Chase Field Industrial Airport Complex.
Montez had said in the past that federal stimulus funds are intended to create jobs and that is exactly what the funds would do for the immediate area.
The director said the authority also has applied for a $1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for other improvements to the Sikorsky operation now underway in Hangars 24 and 25 at Chase Field.
Some federal grant funds are already being spent on the construction of a paint booth and warehouse expansion on property located between the two hangars now occupied at Chase Field.
BDA board members approved a $50,685.60 change order for work ongoing at the paint booth location.
Montez said the change order will allow for the installation of additional fire sprinklers and expanded duct work to modify the breathable air system for the paint booth.
Most of that project will require an expansion of the electrical system, Montez said.
In other business, the board voted to:
— Enter a contract with Garver, LLC, a Dallas-based aviation consulting firm, for the installation of a $40,000 Global Positioning System instrument flight rules approach system to the runways at Chase Field.
— Allow a Chase Field reunion group to use the grounds and facilities at the former naval air station for a gathering there in April of next year.
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