Reno-Stead Airport getting new administrative building

RENO - Reno-Stead Airport will be getting a new administrative building to replace an aging cinder-block structure that officials say is too small in general and inadequate during emergencies.

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority on Wednesday approved up to $6 million for the upgrade.

Airport authority spokesman Brian Kulpin said that in addition to serving the local business community in Stead, the new building will also include an emergency operations center.

He adds that the Stead Airport is a federally designated "reliever" airport for Reno-Tahoe International, meaning it is meant to help relieve congestion and act as an alternative airport in emergencies.

There is no timeline yet for when construction will begin.