Nicky Boyette – Airport Manager Michael Pfeifer told the Carroll County Airport Commission at its June 17 meeting there is now a waiting list to rent hangars at CCA, and one tenant is considering buying two or three more planes. He said it is time to plan for more hangars.
Engineer/consultant Dan Clinton suggested he could pursue a grant for an extension of the apron in front of the 60×60-ft. hangar toward the south end of the property, and this apron could also serve a new 8-bay hangar on that part of the property. He said it would be a 90-10 grant from State Department of Aeronautics, and he would submit the grant in August.
There was further discussion regarding how much to invest in refurbishing the old wooden 60×60-ft. building, but Pfeifer said the prospective tenant is ready not only to lease, but improve it.
Commissioners voted for Clinton to pursue the grant and for Pfeifer to assess options regarding the old hangar.
Runway rehab
Clinton announced work on repaving the runway is progressing faster than scheduled. According to Pfeifer, the project involves milling off 2.5 inches of surface and putting three inches back. There will be a crown down the middle of the runway so runoff goes toward the sides. French drains are also being installed along each side.
Pfeifer said the Federal Aviation Administration granted $594,000, the State granted $66,000 and the county put up as escrow $125,000, which it will get back once the project is completed and the final draw-down is made. Pfeifer expects planes to be landing again before July 4.
Other items
- Commissioners agreed to look at filling in trenches where rainwater runoff is eroding soil near the front fence line and where channels direct runoff onto adjacent properties.
- They also decided to keep their meetings on the third Friday of the month at noon and amend the by-laws accordingly.
- Commissioner Morris Pate said a businessman from Florida who flies in for business in Berryville said he wanted to duplicate the design of CCA for his airport in Florida.
Next meeting will be Friday, July 15, at 12 p.m.