Matt Eisenbraun, assistant economic development director, recently told this news outlet that the city proposed three projects during its annual review with ODOT’s Aviation Office. He said that each project was scored against the criteria set for the current funding cycle and all projects were evaluated statewide.
The projects are required to be part of the airport’s 10-year Capital Improvement Plan and required to be on the Airport Layout Plan in addition to meeting the current scope criteria.
ODOT notified the city that the proposed runway lighting project scored high enough to warrant moving forward through the formal grant application process and receive funding. Eisenbraun said ODOT set a ceiling amount of $418,950 for the project and the city has until May 15, 2018 to submit its formal grant.
He said grant funding through ODOT’s Aviation Office is a 90/10 match and does not include engineering or management costs. In addition, the state funds are available on a reimbursement basis, said.
The total estimated cost of the project is $415,950, with ODOT providing $375,355 and the city’s match will be $41,595.
According to Eisenbraun, the engineering for this project was completed as part of a previous federal grant submission in 2012. However, he said the project details will need to be updated to current specifications but that the costs are expected to be minimal to the city.
The city hopes the investment of local, state and federal funding for improvements will pay to enable the airport become an engine to attract aviation-related businesses and jobs to locate there in the future.
“We believe the airport is an valuable asset, and we see great potential for the addition of new jobs, tourism opportunities, and capital investment, both commercial and recreational, on the airport grounds.” said City Manager Doug Adkins.
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