NEW CUYAMA, Calif. – The New Cuyama Airport (L88), a privately owned, public use airport established by Richfield Oil Co. in 1950, has officially reopened after passing Cal Trans inspection.
Fly_Cuyama_235_235Located in rural Santa Barbara County in the high desert and bounded by the Sierra Madre and Caliente mountain ranges, the Cuyama Runway is a historic flying destination.
The runway deteriorated into poor condition after years of neglect but the new owner has restored the flying field and intends to keep the runway open indefinitely.
The new owner is funding the development of the Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center, a newly established 501c3 non-profit host facility intended to feature research, educational programs,
and demonstration projects around sustainable living practices and technologies.
Built in 1950 by the Richfield Oil Co. – later ARCO — after the discovery of oil deposits in the region, the adjacent property features 22,000 square feet of concrete buildings.
“The intent is to repurpose these structures for the long term needs of the Blue Sky Center’s tenants and for the benefit of the public,” officials said in a prepared release. “The airstrip is a unique and valuable asset that will help increase visibility and access to the innovative and creative programs and events planned onsite.”
In the near term the organization’s objective is to improve the site with landscape improvements, a new strawbale bathhouse, office building, and short-term accommodations. The group is also working to establish basic general aviation amenities, as well as lure aviation businesses to the airport, officials added.
