Dubois County Airport Authority: Runway extension passes hurdle; $80,000 reimbursed
OilThe Airport Authority learned the Federal Aviation Administration had finally approved the airport layout plan for the runway extension.
“That means that it’s moving forward with the design and bidding documents,” said Woolpert Engineering Project Manager Nick Isenberg.
Isenberg told the board that the $80,000.00 claim that has been in limbo for over a year had also been approved for reimbursement.
Initially, the FAA denied the claim for the $80,000 after a mistake was made by Woolpert Engineering in submitting documentation for work done in removing tree obstructions from the west end of the runway.
That was corrected and the claim was re-submitted and approved.
The reimbursement of the $80,000 comes at a time when the airport continues to explore the addition of a second t-hangar. The first t-hangar was completed in 2015 and was filled the day it opened.
The airport had applied for a Community Crossings grant through Indiana Department of Transportation but Manager Travis McQueen announced that the airport board was not approved for the grant that would have meant money for a new t-hangar.
McQueen did say that in 2017 they would be approaching the Indiana legislature to seek out a 50/50 matching grant to assist with the financing of a new t-hangar.
The board last night approved an agreement with Woolpert Engineering for the design of the runway extension. The vote was a formality needed to move forward.
Isenberg says that the design will be worked on immediately with bid letting taking place in spring of 2017. When asked if there is a projected completion date for the 500 foot extension, Isenberg said, “Ideally, 2019 would be the completion date.”
He said that the road work and the tunnel completion are expected in 2018.
The runway extension has been in the planning stages for at least six years.
Also, the board heard from two representatives from the USDA on the availability of loans and funding assistance. Mike Strahl, Community Program Specialist for USDA, told the board that they offer help in getting low interest loans.
Also last night, the board welcomed newest board member Molly Prior. Prior was appointed by Mayor Denny Spinner and the Huntingburg Common Council in their last meeting. She replaces Brian Craig who left the board last month due to other commitments that requires more of his time.
