The Carroll County Airport will soon have an upgrade that will attract more small jets to the facility. A hangar tenant received approval months ago to purchase and install a jet fuel tank near the current aviation fuel tank. The new tank required some re-conditioning before it was delivered to the site, but is now in place, and will soon offer sales of jet fuel.
Members of the Carroll County Airport Commission had designed some changes to increase clearances to allow small jets access to the area around the fuel tanks, and a grant from the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics will help defray the cost of construction.
Consulting engineer Mike Stengel said at the July 19 meeting he was surprised at how quickly this project received state approval. Stengel also noted that weather at this time of year should be suitable for construction.
Another state grant, for $96,000, will cover the cost of exterior repairs to the terminal building.
In other business:
- Materials for a new six-bay hangar were expected to be delivered by July 23, and construction should proceed quickly. Commissioners noted that electric service has not yet been extended to the site.
- Airport Manager Mark Pepple said fuel sales have been steady. In his monthly report, Pepple also mentioned repairs to runway lights.
- Commissioners discussed creating a playground area outside the terminal to help keep children occupied during airport events. Several options were considered, including the need for fencing to keep kids from wandering away from the area.
- A discussion over transmission repairs for a courtesy car led to a broader discussion about ways to create a fund to purchase better courtesy cars. Current prices for used cars is so high that the airport may be better off paying for the needed transmission repairs.
- A breakfast Fly-In event was scheduled for the day after this meeting.