VTrans photo of Caledonia County State Airport.
by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine VermontBiz has confirmed that a group led by Kyle Clark, CEO of BETA technologies in South Burlington, has signed a purchase and sale agreement with the state of Vermont to acquire the Caledonia County State Airport. The state had put out an RFP in the summer 2023 to sell the airport. Basically, the state couldn’t afford to keep it up.
Dennise Casey, a representative for the Clark group, which is separate from BETA, said their first order of business would be to refurbish the 3,300-foot runway, which is paved. She also noted that the airport must maintain in perpetuity public access to general aviation. Financial terms were not disclosed but will be at some point.
Casey could not say at this point what role BETA technologies would have in the future, if at all. The purchase and sales agreement was signed in the last week.
The new group is CRAFTVT, LLC, the company Clark founded with his spouse Katie and their friends Martine and Bina Rothblatt. CRAFTVT is the entity that has been awarded the state bid to purchase Caledonia County Airport (KCDA).
The process could take some time as it makes its way through the FAA's full evaluation, in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, and of course it will have to go through the usual closing process, Casey said.
“I want to thank the State of Vermont for this incredible opportunity. Small, rural, general aviation airports like KCDA are critical community assets that add so much richness and opportunity to the region, " Clark, President of CRAFTVT, LLC, told VermontBiz. “Increasing access to the airport and enhancing amenities and services will make it a regional draw that supports businesses and recreation in the area. In my meetings with folks across the region, it’s clear there’s an energy around growing more opportunity here and the airport is part of that vision. The Northeast Kingdom is a special place, and I’m excited about being a part of the work ahead.”
Last year, AOT considered a sale or long-term lease of the Lyndonville airport and spent considerable time evaluating the possibility. The Agency and the Vermont Legislature determined that the opportunity for a sale or long-term lease should be explored with the stipulation that the airport would remain open to the public, the state would receive fair market value, and that the buyer or lessee would invest in the airport. AOT then initiated a request-for-proposal process to allow any interested parties to submit a plan. The CRAFTVT proposal met the guidelines established by the Legislature and was selected.
“We are excited about the opportunities for infrastructure improvements and economic development under new, private ownership of this vibrant Vermont airport,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. “We wish to assure current and future airport users that they will continue to have full access in perpetuity.”
The Town of Lyndon would also benefit from having the airport added to its grand list of taxable properties, along with any future developments at the airport, at a time when flood impacts have reduced the grand list.
“This is great news for Lyndon and the surrounding towns, as this community asset would get needed maintenance and additional upgrades that are overdue,” said Lyndon Town Manager Justin Smith. “We have collaborated with AOT through the years on several projects to improve the airport, and we have really appreciated working with them. Our recent discussions with the CRAFTVT team have been positive and exciting, and we are very optimistic about the future of the airport here in Lyndon.”
The Caledonia State Airport boasts a rich history. Not far from the airport, Charles Willard was the first person to take flight in Vermont, on September 15, 1910, at the Caledonia County Fair. Now, more than a hundred years later, the airport is also the site of the Vermont Aviation Museum & Flying School, the first-ever aviation museum in the state.
Clark had been interested in purchasing the airport since the state first issued its RFP. Casey added that the new owners hope to work with local community organizations. This potentially could include Vermont State University and the high schools Lyndon Institute and Saint Johnsbury Academy.
In announcing the signing of the deal, Clark told friends and colleagues in an email Tuesday afternoon:
"I’m excited to share that CRAFTVT, LLC, the company I founded with my spouse Katie and our good friends Martine and Bina Rothblatt, has been awarded the state bid to purchase Caledonia County Airport (KCDA) and a purchase and sales agreement has been signed with the State of Vermont.
"This is such an exciting opportunity to protect KCDA for public aviation use in perpetuity, while at the same time making critically important improvements to the runway and onsite services to increase the interest in and use of the airport. This gateway to the NEK will be even more accessible, drawing folks to the region, and serving as an economic, cultural, and social boost. I’m really excited to work with you all on what’s to come.
"The next step is to close on the sale and get FAA approval, which will take a few more months. We’ll be in touch with you and many others to continue the great conversations we started last summer and get to work rehabbing and breathing new energy into this wonderful place.
"And in the meantime, we’re planning to be part of the AWESOME annual Caledonia County Airport Awareness Day this Saturday, September 21st from 10AM - 4PM, which is super fun for the whole family. Hope to see you there! Also, bring your kiddos for Young Eagles Flights!"
KCDA is located at 2107 Pudding Hill Road in Lyndonville, VT 05851.
AOT said in a statement that it sees many potential benefits under a new owner. Investments in the airport’s infrastructure could occur at a faster pace. Under state ownership, Caledonia County Airport’s current needs must compete with infrastructure needs at the nine other state-owned airports (https://vtrans.vermont.gov/aviation/airports).
Loralee Tester, Executive Director of the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce said:
“This is great news for the Northeast Kingdom, and we are thrilled to know that Caledonia County Airport has a bright future under new ownership. CRAFTVT, LLC will be a great partner helping us to grow opportunities in the region.
“We have been so impressed with Kyle and CRAFTVT, LLC’s community-focused approach. He has taken the time to convene meetings with elected officials and community and business leaders to listen to various perspectives. He has a genuine interest in getting to know more about this corner of Vermont. He has shared his vision and ideas, but also listened to ours. He and his BETA Technologies team have been involved with our local schools and participate in our annual Caledonia County Awareness Day to inspire the next generation of pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
“Importantly, the airport's proximity to key employers, educational institutions and world-class recreation makes this the ideal place for more businesses to grow and more people to live and work. We know that small, modern airports with adequate facilities are an economic, social and recreational draw, so we are excited for what’s to come as improvements are made and a new vision is set at KCDA.”
KCDA is approximately 78 acres and includes a terminal building and maintenance hangar as well as several privately owned hangar houses and several other smaller buildings. AOT said in a statement that CRAFTVT would first focus on rehabilitation of the airport's aging 3,300-foot runway, committing to make the repairs in the next two years. Additionally, CRAFTVT has committed to partnering and collaborating with area groups including businesses, schools, and area non-profits.
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