Grant will update plans at airport
The Courier – Findlay Airport received a $143,907 federal grant to update its 1997 layout plan, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office announced Tuesday.
According to Safety Director Bruce Hardy, the new plan will include a “wish list” of potential improvements for the city-owned airport, primarily for the main building and hangars, that could take place during the next five to 10 years.
Hardy said the city would like to add hangars for smaller planes and replace the terminal building.
The grant will also pay the firm that updates the plan to conduct aerial surveys and other work needed for future grant applications.
Officials expect the plan updates to be completed in 2012.
“We’ve tried to keep our airport in tip-top, first-class condition,” Hardy said.
Hardy said he couldn’t think of specific reasons why Findlay was awarded the grant, other than the federal government is familiar with the city’s requests for money and its dedication to keeping the airport in good shape.
“The Federal Aviation Administration has been very used to the City of Findlay basically applying for every grant they offer and going for every project they can fund,” Hardy said. “Maybe other municipalities don’t have the funding sources (to provide match money for grants) or they don’t have the desire to apply for grants for their airports.”
Hardy thinks the airport is “important for economic development.” He said businesses such as Marathon Petroleum Corp. rely on the airport, and having a nice airport offers an incentive for businesses that are considering locating here.
