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ARCATA-EUREKA AIRPORT
INTRODUCTION
The Arcata-Eureka Airport was first developed by the federal government during World War II as a
place to train pilots in bad-weather flying. Sometime after the war, this airfield was turned over to
Humboldt County for civilian purposes. Humboldt County has existing leases at the airport. The
grand jury reviewed two tenant leases during a routine examination.
FINDINGS
F-1 Some of the material and equipment acquired since Humboldt County began to operate the
airport still remain and have become obsolete and unusable.
F-2 At the present, materials, equipment, and improvement made by lessees may remain on the
premises after the lease expires.
F-3 The Humboldt Trap and Skeet Club license expires June 30, 2003.
F-4 The Humboldt Trap and Skeet Club license does not contain a paragraph which would provide
for the ownership or removal of any improvements, above or below ground, made on the
property by licensee, at the expiration of the license agreement.
F-5 Under the lease agreement with Louisiana Pacific Corporation and its subsequent assignment
to Security Servicing Corporation, the county has the right to examine the assignee's financial
records; this has not been done.
F-6 Several underground fuel storage tanks installed by the federal government, during
World War II, remain in place.
F-7 A significant amount of debris has accumulated at the airport on either side of the main
runway.
F-8 Some of the obsolete material and equipment left by the federal government (Air Corps) is still
there.
F-9 Some of the material and equipment acquired since Humboldt County began to operate the
airport still remains and has become obsolete and unusable.
F-10 The Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) is not operational at this time. Human
weather observers will continue to perform this duty until additional safety equipment is
installed.
F-11 Some officials still have safety concerns about the ASOS.
RECOMMENDATIONS
THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING:
R-1 If it is decided to extend the trap and skeet club license agreement, any extension include a
provision for ownership and/or removal of all above and below ground improvements.
R-2 The county provide for regular examination of Security Servicing Corporation financial records.
R-3 All obsolete and unusable materials, equipment, and debris be disposed of.
R-4 The remaining underground fuel storage tanks, installed by the federal government be removed.
R-5 Upgrade the airport to include an air traffic control tower.
RESPONSES
THE FOLLOWING RESPONSES TO REPORT 01-06 ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO P.C. 933 AND THE STANDARD FORMAT FOR RESPONSES.
- The Board of Supervisors respond to all findings and recommendations.
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