Reno-Tahoe Airport to host Postal Service hub

Tuesday, April 20, 1999 | 4:08 a.m.

Members of the Washoe County Airport Authority on Tuesday unanimously approved the facility and authorized staff to begin construction of a temporary facility.

"The USPS will become a prestigious tenant that will attract additional cargo to our area," said Krys Bart, Airport Authority director. "The additional flights provided by USPS will also allow us to reduce our landing fees, thereby enticing the airlines to expand or create new air service to our region."

A temporary facility will be built north of the airport's terminal. A permanent facility will be constructed within three years at the airport's southwest corner, which will eventually be developed into an air cargo center, Bart said.

The Postal Service will move its sorting hub from Oakland, Calif. and take up residence at the temporary site by the end of August, Bart said.

The facility will sort express mail, which will be flown in and then loaded onto a truck or another Postal Service aircraft for shipping elsewhere.

The operation will involve nine aircraft operating twice a day, with flights from midnight to 1:30 a.m., and 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

"The relocation of the United States Postal Service to Reno will produce a welcomed economic boost and help Nevada's continuing efforts to diversity our economy," Gov. Kenny Guinn said.