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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Board picks Krauter as airport director

County, City Council to vote on nomination

The Spokane International Airport board of directors Wednesday recommended Larry Krauter be made the facility’s next executive director.

The nomination of Krauter, interim executive director of the Lehigh Valley Airport in Pennsylvania, will go to the Spokane County Commissioners, who are scheduled to vote on the matter Tuesday. A Spokane City Council vote is scheduled for Feb. 28.

If approved by both bodies, Krauter will succeed Neal Sealock, who stepped down last summer. Ryland “Skip” Davis has been interim director and will join the board when Krauter takes over.

The board also approved a $20.3 million paving project that will lift the east end of the main runway six feet so pilots can see its full length when they land.

The bid by Acme Concrete Paving was $6 million under the engineer’s estimate.

Engineering design, navigational aids and other equipment will add another $5 million to the cost, the bulk of which will be paid with a Federal Aviation Administration grant.

Work is expected to begin in April and conclude in October.

The airport’s alternative runway will be used during construction.

The project will employ about 125 workers, airport spokesman Todd Woodard said.