Over the course of about one year, Allen County has approved $5.6 million worth of investments at the Allen County Regional Airport.
Only about $170,000 of that money came directly from county funds. The vast majority will be paid for using state and federal grants, and in particular about $1 million in relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The ultimate goal is to develop the airport as an industrial park, attracting companies to build facilities and move operations there. Improving infrastructure is the first step, and though $5.6 million is a lot of money, it’s just a start. A comprehensive engineering report estimated it will cost two to three times more than that ($12 to $15 million) to develop water, sewer, electrical, gas, roads and internet services.
Commissioners agreed on Tuesday to pursue more improvements at the airport — this time, an electrical and lighting upgrade — after taking a look at a summary of projects prepared by Thrive Allen County’s Economic Development Director Jonathon Goering.
They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work with the City of Iola for sewer operations, part of a compromise months in the making. Commissioners were reluctant partners, even right up until the end, making it clear they felt they had no other viable option.
Additionally, Goering told commissioners he had responded to a “request for proposals” from a company looking to develop property near an airport. He described the county’s chances as a long shot, but said he wanted to test the waters.
Lighting and electrical improvements
Goering recommended the county take advantage of an opportunity to improve lighting and electrical systems at the airport in 2023 as part of an FAA program that will fund 90% of the costs.
The project is expected to cost just under $1 million, which means the county would be on the hook for about $100,000. Half of that cost will need to be paid by the end of this year.
It would improve runway lighting and signs, replace or install approach and end lights on the runway, install a weather-reporting system that is required for flight plans filed by jets or medical airplanes, and install blue taxiway lights.
Commissioner Jerry Daniels, a pilot, talked about the different types of lights and why they are important. Commissioner David Lee said he was glad to know the project would add the blue taxiway lights.
Commissioners were in favor of the project, although they were a little concerned about the cost. Since the costs of most of the other improvements have come from sources outside the county, it will be one the biggest single expenditures on the airport the county has made in quite some time.
Commissioner Bruce Symes said he believes the county should take advantage of the FAA’s funding offer while it’s available.
Goering also told commissioners he expects the Kansas Department of Transportation to offer funding next year that could be used to further improve the weather reporting station and extend the taxiway to new and existing hangars.
The runway is currently undergoing a renovation, funded by a $477,000 KDOT grant approved this past year.
Sewer agreement
Commissioners voted 2-1 in favor of an agreement to partner with the city for sewer improvements. Lee voted against it, over concerns about the wording in one section.
