No changes planned for CIP

Portland Board of Aviation isn’t looking at any major changes to its plans for capital improvements at Portland Municipal Airport.

The board reviewed its current five-year capital improvement plan, which now includes goals for use of traditional Federal Aviation Administration funding as well as money made available via the 2021 federal infrastructure bill.

Via traditional funding, the plan approved last year calls for terminal apron expansion design this year — that work is currently underway — with construction scheduled for 2024. (The board plans to bid the project in the spring.) Other projects include assessment and design for runway pavement rehabilitation in 2025, with construction to follow in 2026. Design and construction for the reconstruction of the existing terminal apron and a wildlife control and security fence would follow in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Jason Clearwaters of engineering firm Butler, Fairman and Seufert noted that though the board has discussed using its infrastructure bill funds for other projects, Indiana Department of Transportation factored the first three years of those dollars — about $336,000 — in for the 2024 apron expansion. He noted that INDOT in its current plan has allotted $400,000 in funds for the project.

He said the board could still decide to use its infrastructure bill funds for other purposes, but cautioned that it could put those state funds in jeopardy.

Clearwaters also suggested keeping additional portions of the plan regarding the construction of a new 10-unit hangar and a snow removal equipment building in place. He said some state funding is likely to become available for such projects.

Board members Faron Parr, Clyde Bray, John Ferguson and Caleb Lutes made no changes to the plan. Clearwaters will work on an updated version to present next month. The board will need to vote on approval no later than its November meeting in order to have the plan turned in to the FAA by the Dec. 1 deadline.

The board also approved increasing individual hangar rent for 2024 by $10 to $95 per month (or $90 per month for those who pay for a full year up front). It also approved a $50 increase per month for corporate hangars. 

The increases will go into effect Jan. 1.

“And we’re still extremely low,” said Parr, referencing rental rates at other airports in the area.

“I think bringing them up another $10 is fair and sufficient,” agreed Lutes.

Board members said their target was to raise rates incrementally until they reach $100 per month and then reevaluate.

The increase comes after a 2023 rate hike — it was the first for the airport since 2014 — came with some controversy. The board approved an increase in late 2022 before pulling it back after former aviation board president John Lyons argued that proper procedure had not been followed. After a few months of further discussion that sometimes turned heated, the board ultimately approved a $10 increase that went into effect March 1.

Clearwaters also told the board the lights required to complete phase II of the runway extension project are expected to arrive next month. The final payments have been made and the grant for that work is closed.

He added that there has been no change with HIS Constructors, which handled the first phase of the project. The company was told the remaining nearly $100,000 in retainage would be held back until property releases from the borrow pits used for dirt for the project are received. (Greg and Cindy Whitenack, whose property was used for one of the borrow pits, have filed a lawsuit against HIS, as well as the city and the airport, alleging that the company did not meet the specifications of its agreement. A trial is set for Nov. 11.)

In other business, the board:

•Heard from airport employee Matt Simmons, who was filling in for airport manager Hal Tavzel, that the airport sold 15,805.42 gallons of fuel in August for what is believed to be a record $67,807.48. The total is up from the 10,295 gallons sold in August 2022 and 6,434 in August 2021.

•Was reminded that the airport will host a Young Eagles event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, during which those 8 to 17 years old will be able to take free plane rides. Those who would like to participate can register in advance at yeday.org.

•Briefly discussed concerns regarding Lutheran Air employees’ courtesy toward others at the airport. Parr said Tavzel sent a letter to Lutheran Air in hopes that it would lead to improvements.

•Was updated that construction on Sonrise Aviation’s new hangar is underway. The board also tabled a request from Tavzel, relayed by Simmons, to make insulation and lighting upgrades in a hangar. Board members said they are open to an agreement but wanted to discuss it with Tavzel before giving approval.

•Approved an FAA grant reimbursement request of $3,912.66 for the airport's wildlife hazard assessment and apron expansion design.

•Discussed the possibility of renting a building or part of a building for the winter from adjacent landowner Richard Schafer for storage of equipment.

•Was reminded the Aviation Indiana annual conference is scheduled for Oct. 12 through 12 in Fort Wayne.

•Tabled a vote on purchasing a new mower for the airport.

•Paid claims totaling $16,100.18.