LEWISTON, ID – In a joint meeting between the Lewiston City Council and Nez Perce County Commissioners on Monday, Airport Director Mike Isaacs said Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories is planning to build a hangar at the Lewiston Airport for two corporate jets. The move is reportedly to avoid new taxes in Washington State.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories has purchased a new G600 aircraft, valued at around $60 million, and already owns a G550.  Officials say both aircraft will be based in Lewiston.

Airport officials also reported in the meeting that the facility is experiencing a budget deficit. Total revenue is estimated at $1,044,918, while maintenance and operations expenses are approximately $1.7 million, leaving deficit of $660,981.  The city and county share equal responsibility in covering the deficit.  Officials said the loss of United Airlines service accounts for $173,000 of the deficit.