Federal funding could cover project

The first phase of the Portland airport runway extension will be constructed at no cost to the city.

Now the hope is that the second phase will be fully federally funded as well.

Portland Board of Aviation on Wednesday heard from its engineering firm representative that the federal American Rescue Plan Act includes millions in funding for airport projects.

The board also approved an updated quote for a new driveway at the airport and learned that Tavzel Aviation will have a full-time flight instructor.

Jason Clearwaters of Butler, Fairman & Seufert, the airport’s engineering firm, reported to the board the American Rescue Plan Act, passed by Congress last week, includes $608 million that is earmarked to cover the state and local costs for airport grants this year.

Typically, airport projects are 90% funded by the Federal Aviation Administration, with 5% coming from Indiana Department of Transportation and the remaining 5% from the municipality.

Clearwaters said he’s hopeful the American Rescue Plan Act funds will include the state and local portions of the second phase of the airport’s runway extension to 5,500 feet from the current 4,000 feet. That would mean the city’s cost, again, would be zero.

“Wow,” said aviation board president John Lyons. “That’s amazing.”

The city’s share of phase two of the project is estimated at $70,000.

If the federal funding comes through it would result in total savings of about $190,000 to the city. Portland’s portion of phase one of the project — about $120,000 — was covered by federal funds via last year’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Clearwaters added that the American Rescue Plan Act includes an additional $100 million for general aviation and commercial services airports that are not primary. He said that could result in additional funding for operations at Portland Municipal Airport.

Updating on the runway extension timeline, Clearwaters said he is continuing to work with contractor HIS Constructors of Indianapolis on preparation work for phase one. That work, which includes enclosing 555 feet of Alexander Ditch and leveling the land west of the current runway, is scheduled to begin around May 1, weather permitting, and be completed this year.

Design work is continuing on the second phase of the project — paving and lighting, which is scheduled for 2022 — with the grant application to the FAA expected to be turned in around July 1.

Board members Faron Parr, Clyde Bray and Lyons, absent Mitch Sutton, also approved an updated quote from Dalton VanSkyock for the installation of a new driveway on the east side of the airport property. VanSkyock had originally submitted a quote of $8,260 for the project, but some changes were necessary because a Marathon gas pipeline is in the area. The board approved the quote at an updated cost of $9,346.08. The work is expected to be completed this spring.

Lyons also informed the board that Tavzel Aviation has hired Ryan Plourde as a flight instructor, meaning a full-time flight instructor will be available at Portland Municipal Airport. Tavzel Aviation will also offer “ground school” — classroom training for aviators covering topics such as aerodynamics, flight safety and navigation.

In other business, the board:

•Learned from Lyons, who read airport manager Hal Tavzel’s report, that the facilities fuel farm inspection has been scheduled.

•Discussed whether holding a fly-in event at the airport will be a possibility this year. The airport traditionally hosts the event on the Saturday of the Tri-State Antique Tractor and Engine Show in late August, but it was canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Board members agreed it is still unclear whether such an event will be possible this year and they will revisit the issue at a future meeting.

•Heard from Lyons that the airport sold 2,491.5 gallons of fuel for $8,149.81 in February.

•Paid $6,504.38 in claims.