The Carroll County Airport Commission meeting April 18 focused on land acquisition. Commissioners had previously held a special meeting at which they approved spending $140,000 on 14 acres on the south side of the airport. The property already has water and electricity, and could provide space for 25 to 30 new hangars.
The Arkansas Division of Aeronautics provided 90 percent of the cost. Several representatives from this airport flew to Little Rock to meet with the ADA. The grant request was approved quickly, and commissioners were told to come back to the state if any other property adjacent to the airport becomes available.
The 14-acre parcel originally included an additional three acres that may also be available for purchase.
Other business
- Commissioners discussed establishing a regular schedule for maintaining hangar doors. A semi-annual inspection would provide a permanent maintenance record. On a related note, commissioners noted that hangar leases include language making tenants liable if they tamper with airport facilities. That provision may need a stronger enforcement clause.
- Fuel sales were good last month, although 900 gallons went to one buyer.
- Airport Manager Mark Pepple said removal of a paint hangar is about halfway complete, with only small problems encountered.
- The airport currently leases a mower, and commissioners debated the merits of lease versus purchase. The mower would cost more than $30,000 to buy, but the commission will check to see if county government would allow them to finance the purchase. The subject came up because the airport is responsible for most repairs on the leased machine.
- An outdoor pavilion will be installed in early summer, and commissioners plan to buy new round picnic tables.
- Commission Chair Dave Teigen said extending the runway to 4,000 feet will be the next major project after new hangars are completed at the western end of the airport.
- Commissioners discussed installing a shower for visiting pilots.