ARLINGTON — Two major projects at the airport may have to wait due to economic challenges, according to Airport Manager Rob Putnam.

While clearing for the proposed fire station at the corner of 43rd and 172nd proceeded last week, the construction schedule is on hold for now.

Since the site is on Arlington Airport property, Putnam coordinated the clearing project. He said they made about $10,000 on the timber.

“The total value of the timber was $45,000, but after the cost of hiring Carlson Logging to do the work, we only made about $10,000,” Putnam said.

Across the airport, an expansion on the airport office may also be held off until later.

“We were hoping to present the airport office design for initial review and launch the permitting process next week,” Putnam said.

“But if our major tenant can’t move in, then that will hold up the project.”

The proposed expansion was developed on the proposal that the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division would be a major tenant.

“I’ve got money to get started, but part of it is revenue bonds and if DOT can’t move in, that will impact the process. It’s DOT’s rent that would pay back the revenue bonds.”

In preparation for that expansion, a large fir tree near the airport office was also removed.

“We didn’t make any money on that one because it cost so much to take it down piece by piece,” Putnam said.

The city administrator confirmed that the new station No. 48 is on hold, due to the economy and drop in sales tax and real estate excise tax.

Although the design process will continue, and a remodel on the old Station No. 46 will go forward.

“We’re a go on the airport office,” said Allen Johnson.