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Council-Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

04/07/2026

From:

David L. Udall, Deputy Town Attorney

Strategic Plan Focus Area:
Proactive Public Services

Information

Subject:

Resolution No. 2026-022: Relating to Marana Regional Airport; approving and authorizing the Mayor to sign a Land/Facility Use Agreement between the Town of Marana and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management for use of the Airport as an air tanker base for fire suppression activities during fire season (David L. Udall)

Discussion:

For a number of years, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (formerly the Arizona State Forestry Division) has used property on the premises of the Marana Regional Airport each fire season as a base for air-based fire suppression, either through a sublease with Northwest Fire District or, more recently, through a direct agreement with the Town. The proposed Land/Facility Use agreement will continue this relationship.

If approved, the agreement will allow the Department to park single-engine air tankers at the airport during fire season (roughly May through July) and place temporary mobile office building/trailers on airport property. In addition, the Department may station an airplane and a helicopter at the airport for fire reconnaissance and fire support. Pursuant to the agreement, Town rental/parking fees would be waived, but the Department would be required to pay for its own water and electric utilities associated with its use of the airport property directly to the utility companies. The agreement will be effective from April 24, 2026, through September 27, 2026, to cover the 2026 fire season.

Staff Recommendation:

Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2026-022.

Suggested Motion:

I move to adopt Resolution No. 2026-022, approving and authorizing the Mayor to sign a Land/Facility Use Agreement between the Town of Marana and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management for use of the Airport as an air tanker base for fire suppression activities during fire season.

Attachments

Resolution No. 2026-022

Exhibit A to Resolution