Barbara Cannady for Burns Times-Herald

Once again, our big empty space and skies are attracting those who would like us to share, as the latest prospective guests includes NASA balloons and industrial drone developers. As a State Lands Administrator once chimed, “No one lives out there!” To those coming from crowded landscapes, our low population signals an opportunity to take advantage of resources that they do not see anyone else is using.

Of course, we do have a history with military air observation systems beginning with the WWII Radar Base. Several of our prominent families can trace their paternal lineage to those recruits.  

Following WWII, Idaho’s Mountain Home Air Force Base wanted to use Virginia Valley for flight training and a bombing range. Founded in 1943, the Base is home to the 366th Fighter Wing, known as the “Gunfighters”. Sonic booms were not uncommon in the early 1950’s. Eventually they seemed to accept we were staying or went elsewhere for other reasons. Conversely, the Oregon National Guard created and has continued to expand their training air space over Harney County. They do announce when they are going to do low level night training.

Now we have the latest technology knocking at our door, with the Burns Airport being in desperate need of funding, that door may soon be opened wide.

NASA Exploratory Balloons

Burns officials and Rep. Mark Owens met with NASA representatives on Thursday, July 11, to discuss a proposed project involving exploratory balloons and the construction of new hangers at the City of Burns’ Airport.

Per Rep. Owens, Burns Airport is in the mix to be selected for a NASA balloon research/observation facility. NASA will be making the selection for their new site very soon.  If chosen, new hangers for balloons will be part of the package. These balloons will be larger than the Chinese versions that created a stir with recent crossings of our national air space, including over military installations.

Selection also means sixty to eighty NASA employees descending on Burns for two months (September and October) of each year.

Drone Test Range

The Burns Municipal Airport passed the first major hurdle by obtaining an FAA approved COA (Certificate of Authorization) for a UAS (Drone) Test Range.  

What is the Project?  According to a flier presented for a Connect Oregon grant, “The airport offers an attractive area for UAS testing because of the remote privacy and very few flight operations. The surge in drone market growth, estimated at $43.1 billion by 2024, underscores the necessity for dedicated testing facilities.

Infrastructure is needed to serve these customers such as:

• Three concrete and three gravel launch pads for safe launching and landing;

• power at each launch pad for charging and powering drones and related equipment;

• high-speed internet at each launch pad for data transmission and communication;

• water at each launch pad.

All this is estimated to cost $425,000. Burns’ 30 percent matching will amount to $125,500.”

Listed benefits includes “Burns Municipal Airport provides a safe, controlled environment meeting the escalating demand for UAS research development and training as well as provide a source of revenue to the City by serving UAS customer including military defense, manufacturers, researchers, and operators.”

Per Burns Interim City Manager, Judy Erwin, no public hearings will be held regarding these events. If you have questions or concerns, Airport meetings are usually held on the first Monday of each month, at 1 p.m., Burns City Hall. Please check with City Hall to confirm time and place before planning to attend.  (541)573-5255. 

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Burns Watch

TELOS Development Company, LLC, is back on the docket for a public hearing before the City of Burns Planning Commission on Wednesday, July 31, at 6:15 p.m. The hearing will resume where it left off on the Wednesday, June 5 postponement, addressing a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zone Change for approximately 21 acres of land located within the southern corporate limits of the City of Burns. The application proposes to change the current Comprehensive Plan designations of Commercial, Light Industrial, and Heavy Industrial to Multiple Family Residential.

West ‘B’ Street Expansion will be the topic for another public hearing before the City of Burns Planning Commission on July 31, at 6:15 p.m. The City of Burns is requesting a Preliminary Subdivision Replat to replat portions of the Replatted Northwest Townsite Company First Addition, and Brown’s 2nd Addition, subdivision, as well as certain street rights-of-way located therein, as part of the City’s planned project to improve the West ‘B’ Street right-of-way between North Harney Avenue on the east and the approved Miller Springs Subdivision on the west.

Public hearing testimony may be submitted orally or in writing. If testimony is written, it shall be submitted at least two (2) days prior to the hearing(s). For further questions or copy of public hearing rules, you may contact City Clerk Tiffany Leffler, at Burns City Hall.  (541) 573-5255.