Key Takeaways
• SB 661 redirects existing aviation fuel tax revenue to fund Meadows Field Airport improvements and workforce training.
• Meadows Field is the only nonhub California airport with less than 300,000 enplanements in cities over 400,000 population.
• If passed, SB 661 could boost jobs, flights, and regional economy before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Senator Melissa Hurtado’s Push for Meadows Field Airport: What Senate Bill 661 Means for Bakersfield and Kern County
On June 21, 2025, Senator Melissa Hurtado stood before reporters and local leaders at Meadows Field Airport to announce a major step forward for Bakersfield and Kern County. The focus was Senate Bill 661 (SB 661), a proposal that could change how airports like Meadows Field grow, attract new flights, and create jobs. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon and Kern County’s population booming, the timing of this bill is especially important.
SB 661 has already passed the Senate and, as of June 5, 2025, is waiting for action in the Assembly. The bill has strong support from local officials, including Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, who says the region’s growth demands better airport services. But what exactly does SB 661 do, and why does it matter so much for the people living and working in this part of California?
Understanding Senate Bill 661: Funding, Focus, and Fairness
SB 661, also called the Airport Expansion and Regional Optimization Act, is designed to give airports like Meadows Field a steady stream of money for improvements, new airline routes, and workforce training. Instead of raising new taxes, the bill takes money already collected from the state’s sales tax on aviation fuel—jet fuel and aviation gasoline—and moves it from the state’s General Fund into a special account for airports, called the State Aeronautics Account.
Key Points of the Bill:
– No New Taxes: The bill does not create any new taxes or fees. It simply redirects existing tax money.
– Dedicated Funding: Money from aviation fuel sales tax goes directly to airport projects, not into the general state budget.
– Annual Allocations: Each year, the Caltrans Division of Aeronautics will decide how much money each eligible airport receives, based on clear rules set out in the bill.
How the Money Is Divided:
– 40% of the redirected sales tax revenue is set aside for nonhub commercial airports with fewer than 300,000 annual enplanements (passenger boardings), located in cities with populations over 400,000. Right now, Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield is the only airport in California that fits this description.
– The rest of the money goes to other eligible airports, based on their size, location, and passenger numbers.
This means that, if SB 661 becomes law, Meadows Field Airport stands to receive a large share of the new funding—potentially millions of dollars each year, depending on how much aviation fuel is sold and taxed in California.
Why Meadows Field Airport? The Case for Local Investment
Meadows Field Airport has long played a key role in connecting Bakersfield and Kern County to the rest of the United States 🇺🇸. But, like many smaller airports, it has struggled to keep and attract commercial airline service, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2024, the airport made progress by adding new routes to San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix, but local leaders say more needs to be done.
Senator Melissa Hurtado argues that the airport is critical for the region’s future. She points to rapid population growth, new businesses, and the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles as reasons why Bakersfield needs a stronger, more connected airport. Mayor Karen Goh agrees, saying that the city’s growth will only continue, and the airport must keep up.
Michael Musca, the Interim Director of Meadows Field, says the airport needs more money for marketing, infrastructure, and showing airlines that there is enough demand for new routes. Without this support, it’s hard to convince airlines to add flights to Bakersfield.
How SB 661 Works: Step-by-Step Process
If SB 661 passes, here’s what will happen:
- Revenue Transfer: The state will move aviation fuel sales tax money from the General Fund into the State Aeronautics Account.
- Annual Allocation: Each year, Caltrans’ Division of Aeronautics will use the bill’s formula to decide how much money goes to each eligible airport.
- Local Implementation: Meadows Field Airport and other airports will use the funds for things like runway repairs, terminal upgrades, marketing to airlines, and workforce training.
- Reporting and Oversight: Caltrans will keep track of how the money is spent and report on the results.
The bill also encourages partnerships between local governments, the aviation industry, and private companies. This means that cities, counties, airlines, and businesses will work together to make sure the money is used wisely and has the biggest impact.
Workforce Development: Jobs and Training for Local Residents
One of the most important parts of SB 661 is its focus on workforce development. The bill requires that some of the money be used for local hiring and training programs. These programs will help people in Kern County get jobs in aviation, logistics, hospitality, and construction.
This is good news for local workers, especially young people and those looking to switch careers. By training residents for jobs at the airport and in related industries, SB 661 aims to create long-term economic benefits for the whole region.
Economic Impact: More Flights, More Jobs, More Growth
Supporters of SB 661 say the bill will do much more than just fix runways or build new terminals. They believe it will:
- Create new jobs in construction, aviation, and hospitality
- Attract more airlines and flights to Meadows Field, making it easier for people to travel for work or fun
- Boost tourism by making Bakersfield and Kern County more accessible
- Help local businesses by improving connections to other cities and states
- Prepare the region for the 2028 Olympics, when many visitors will need to fly into Central California
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, dedicated airport funding like that proposed in SB 661 can have a ripple effect, helping not just the airport but the entire local economy. When airports grow, they often attract new businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other services, all of which create more jobs and opportunities.
Who Supports SB 661—and Who Has Concerns?
Supporters:
– Senator Melissa Hurtado: She calls the bill a “common sense” way to use existing tax dollars to help local communities grow.
– Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh: She says the bill is needed to keep up with the city’s rapid growth and to prepare for the Olympics.
– Local business leaders and airport management: They see the bill as a way to attract more flights and jobs.
Skeptics:
– Some legislative analysts and officials from other airports worry that the funding formula is too generous to Meadows Field Airport and may not be fair to other small airports in California.
– Aviation industry experts point out that attracting new airline routes is not just about money. Airlines look for steady demand, competitive incentives, and a strong local economy before adding new flights.
Still, most local leaders agree that SB 661 is a big step forward for Bakersfield and Kern County.
Background: Why California Airports Need Dedicated Funding
For years, California’s airports have relied mostly on federal grants and local money to pay for improvements and expansion. There has never been a steady, ongoing source of state funding for airport projects. This has made it hard for smaller airports, like Meadows Field, to compete with larger airports in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
SB 661 represents a major policy shift. By creating a dedicated funding stream from existing aviation fuel taxes, the bill would give airports more certainty and flexibility to plan for the future.
This approach is especially important now, as the state prepares for the 2028 Olympics and as more people move to Central California. Without better airport services, the region could miss out on new jobs, business opportunities, and tourism.
What Happens Next? The Path Forward for SB 661
As of June 5, 2025, SB 661 is “In Assembly. Held at Desk.” This means it has passed the Senate but is waiting for further action in the Assembly. The bill has already been amended several times since it was first introduced in February 2025, with the latest changes in April 2025 making the funding formula and eligibility rules even clearer.
If the Assembly approves the bill and the Governor signs it into law, the new funding could start flowing as early as the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This would give Meadows Field Airport a head start on upgrades and new projects, just in time for the expected surge in travel leading up to the Olympics.
If SB 661 works well, it could become a model for other regional airports across California. Lawmakers and airport officials in other parts of the state will be watching closely to see if the bill delivers on its promises.
Practical Steps for Local Stakeholders
If you live or work in Bakersfield or Kern County, here’s what you can expect if SB 661 passes:
- More job opportunities in aviation, construction, and hospitality
- Better airport facilities and possibly more direct flights to major cities
- Training programs for people interested in working at the airport or in related fields
- A stronger local economy as new businesses and visitors come to the area
For local businesses, this could mean easier access to new markets and customers. For families, it could mean more travel options and less need to drive long distances to bigger airports.
How to Stay Informed and Get Involved
If you want to follow the progress of SB 661 or learn more about how it could affect you, there are several ways to stay updated:
- Contact Senator Melissa Hurtado’s office for the latest news and to share your thoughts on the bill.
- Visit the Caltrans Division of Aeronautics website for technical details and updates on funding allocations. You can find more information at the California Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division.
- Check with Meadows Field Airport administration for local updates on projects and job opportunities.
- Read the official bill text and status on the California Legislative Information website.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Meadows Field Airport and Regional Air Travel
With the 2028 Olympics coming soon and Kern County’s population on the rise, the need for a modern, well-connected airport has never been greater. SB 661 offers a chance to make real progress, not just for Meadows Field Airport but for the entire region.
If the bill passes, local residents can expect to see new jobs, better travel options, and a stronger economy. The bill’s focus on workforce development means that these benefits will reach people across the community, from young workers just starting out to experienced professionals looking for new opportunities.
At the same time, SB 661 could set an example for how other states and regions support their airports. By using existing tax money in a smarter way, the bill shows that it’s possible to invest in local infrastructure without raising taxes or fees.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Senator Melissa Hurtado’s Senate Bill 661 is more than just a funding proposal—it’s a plan to help Bakersfield and Kern County grow, connect, and thrive in the years ahead. By focusing on Meadows Field Airport, the bill aims to bring new flights, jobs, and opportunities to a region that is ready for its next chapter.
For residents, business owners, and travelers, the message is clear: better airport services are on the way, and everyone stands to benefit. As the Assembly considers the bill, the eyes of Central California—and perhaps the whole state—are watching to see what happens next.
Stay informed, get involved, and be ready for the changes that SB 661 could bring to your community.
Learn Today
Senate Bill 661 → A California law proposal redirecting aviation fuel tax revenues to improve airports like Meadows Field.
State Aeronautics Account → A special fund receiving aviation fuel taxes for airport projects and improvements statewide.
Enplanements → The number of passengers boarding airplanes at an airport during a year.
Caltrans Division of Aeronautics → The California agency that manages airport funding and aviation-related programs.
Nonhub Commercial Airport → An airport with fewer than 300,000 passenger boardings annually, serving smaller regional markets.
This Article in a Nutshell
Senate Bill 661 aims to fund Meadows Field Airport with redirected aviation fuel taxes. This supports regional growth, workforce training, and attracting new flights, preparing Bakersfield and Kern County for the 2028 Olympics with improved infrastructure and increased economic opportunities for residents and businesses.
— By VisaVerge.com
