Metro Air Park Project in Sacramento Coming Together

In mid-March 2002, Gerry N. Kamilos, project manager and chairman of the Metro Air Park steering committee, received a long-awaited wildlife protection and mitigation permit from the state Department of Fish & Game. The state permit came several weeks after approval of a similar permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The federal and state permits were considered the last major hurdles for the 1,892-acre park. The $2-billion project involves about 20 million square feet of office, light industrial, retail and hotel development along with a championship-caliber golf course. The owners are seeking a private firm to develop the golf course. Barring a court challenge, which one group is considering, Kamilos expects to be able to start selling bonds for the project in June and begin grading on the site in July 2002.

The $2-billion project is one of the most ambitious developments ever proposed in the Sacramento region. In an effort to appease environmental interests, the owners of Metro Air Park – 138 individuals in 22 ownership groups – will turn over a half-acre of wildlife conservation land for each acre of land developed. Also, the owners have created a $13-million mitigation plan that will turn over another 200 acres – specifically designated for the endangered Swainson's hawk. This property will be owned and/or managed by the nonprofit Natomas Basin Conservancy.