Womack optimistic about runway funding

The dream of extending the runway at the Carroll County Airport came a little closer to reality after a recent meeting with U.S. Rep. (R) Steve Womack.

Womack met with several representatives of the airport on June 16, and asked about the cost of extending the runway from 3,500 to 4,000 ft. Airport officials suggested a cost of $2 million. The cost of extending the runway to 5,000 ft. would rise sharply, and some commissioners at the June 20 meeting of the airport commission questioned the need for the longer distance. Extending to 4,000 feet would allow the airport to handle a wider variety of small jets. Womack offered encouraging signals about the possibility of funding that goal.

Commissioners discussed the effects of a longer runway on local business. They noted that companies looking for a new location will arrive by air, not by bus. They also briefly discussed whether some existing structures might affect possible runway extension.

In other business:

• Airport Manager Mark Pepple said fuel sales have outpaced last year’s sales. In his monthly report, Pepple said that old concrete in the location of a planned hangar has been removed. He said a paint hangar on that site had also been removed.
• Consulting Engineer Joey Wallace outlined the prospects for state grants in the near future. He said the funding situation has slowed somewhat, but he remained optimistic about the airport’s potential for new grants. In response to a question, Wallace said he will check for methods to publicize the airport’s advisory weather system.
• A hangar door was successfully repaired.
• Commission Chair Dave Teigen said a plan to install a shower for pilots would be impractical.
• A hangar tenant with a small jet had purchased a tank for jet fuel. Commissioners agreed to place that tank in the same area as the existing tank for aviation fuel. The owners of the tank will allow others to access the tank and have pledged to donate the tank to the airport if a runway extension allows more jets to use this airport.
• Several commissioners promised to investigate the possibility of buying a scissor lift for airport maintenance. Periodic maintenance is needed for windsocks and weather equipment, and a scissor lift would be much safer than working off tall ladders. Commissioners said hangar tenants would also be able to use the lift to work within their own hangars. The commission will continue the discussion after investigating costs.
• Fasteners on the roof of an eight-bay hangar have failed, and will need to be replaced at an estimated cost of $3,200. Other contractors will be checked to see if a lower price is available.
• Commissioners discussed establishing an annual scholarship to help promote and publicize the airport. Commissioner Chase Tresler said, “We need to let people know the airport’s here.” The commissioners also discussed some upcoming advertising efforts on local radio. The airport may have a table at the County Fair.
• The airport may hold an event in October in which pilots would compete for the shortest distances in takeoff and landing.