Phase one finally done

The first phase of the runway extension project that began nearly three years ago is finally in the books.

The final step still awaits for phase two.

Portland Board of Aviation on Wednesday approved the final pay request and a close-out request letter for the first phase of the runway extension project at Portland Municipal Airport.

The project’s first phase involved grading and drainage of the land west of the existing runway — the extension added 1,500 feet to bring the runway to 5,500 feet in order to accommodate larger aircraft — to allow for the added length. The work has long since been completed, but the final paperwork was delayed because of a lawsuit involving the couple from whom contractor HIS Constructors purchased fill dirt for the project. Last month, the aviation board and Portland Board of Works approved an indemnity agreement with HIS that protects the city from any judgment that may come down in the case.

With the indemnity clause in place, aviation board members Faron Parr, Clyde Bray, John Ferguson and Caleb Lutes approved the final Federal Aviation Administration grant pay request of $10,311.41 for the project as well as the close-out request letter for the grant.

Jason Clearwaters of engineering firm Butler, Fairman and Seufert reported that the project came in well under budget, which will lead to $334,219.20 in approved funding being returned to the FAA.

“It’s unfortunate we can’t capture those funds for another project, but that’s how it goes,” he said.

The final step that remains before the second phase of the project is officially complete is an FAA flight check that has been called off several times, including last week because of inclement weather.

The aviation board also approved an FAA grant pay request of $45,191.60 for the design of the apron expansion. Clearwaters said he has a draft plan to be reviewed and the project is still on track for bidding later this spring.

Looking ahead to other possible airport improvements, airport manager Hal Tavzel asked the board to consider adding concrete floors to more hangars later this year if the budget allows. He said about six to eight existing hangars still need concrete work.

Tavzel also reported that 20 planes landed at the airport for the April 8 solar eclipse with most flying in from elsewhere in Indiana as well as Michigan and Wisconsin. Among those in attendance were astronaut Josh A. Cassada, who was pilot of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 mission that launched on Oct. 5, 2022. The Minnesota native spent 157 days living and working aboard the International Space Station.

“We had a pretty awesome event,” Tavzel said.

In other business, the board:

•Heard a reminder that the Aviation Indiana quarterly meeting was set for Thursday in Greensburg. Clearwaters said he planned to attend. Portland Municipal Airport will host the next quarterly meeting Aug. 8. Tavzel said he has already lined up a speaker from Aero Energy, and aviation fuel delivery service.

•Portland clerk-treasurer Lori Phillips told the board a check has been to Richard Shafer to continue rental of one of his buildings — his property is adjacent to the airport — for equipment storage.

•Heard the following from Tavzel:

—The airport sold 4,777 gallons of fuel in March for $21,662.04. That’s down from 5,273 gallons in March 2023.

—The airport has had some jet activity recently, mostly from POET Biorefining but including other organizations. (A 10-seat plane was slated to land at the airport Thursday morning.) “We expect that to continue to improve,” Tavzel said.

—He has talked with Verizon about providing a wireless connection to the airport’s automated weather observing system. As a result, he is looking at switching to the company for all of the airport’s phone and internet service, which he said he expects will result in cost savings.

—Coblentz Construction is in the process of installing a new hydraulic hangar door.

•Paid claims totaling $3,446.97.