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Airport terminal project continues

BY BOB TOMASZEWSKI

STAFF WRITER

 

County officials hope to iron out the details of building a new terminal at the Armstrong Airport in New Knoxville by the end of business today.  Auglaize County Administrator Erica Preston updated Airport Authority board members on the contract negotiations that have been ongoing with Baumer Construction.  An updated proposal now has the cost of the airport terminal at $1,505,300 with an additional $135,000 for the basement. This is an increase from the original price quote of $1,415,000.  Commissioners had initially appropriated $1.3 million for the project, and had approved an additional $500,000 for the project as negotiations were being finalized. A contract has not yet been signed, although county officials have agreed to pay $45,000 for IAP Government Services for their work as the third-party administrator.

Brent Richter, airport authority president, said he was concerned about the size of a conference area in the new design. Preston said that would be addressed at a meeting today with IAP.  Lance Bryant, a board

member, suggested getting permanent cameras for the terminal. Airport Manager Ted Bergstrom said there were cameras inside and outside, though not as many as initially proposed.  In other business, board

members approved a budget proposal to be sent to commissioners for review. The budget includes increases for WiFi installation, hangar repairs and internet charges. The total proposal calls for $200,124 in expenses, a $29,000 increase over last year’s expenses.

 

The airport authority also approved hangar leases, which increased $10 for internet costs. Board members voted to not renew George Hovey’s lease after meeting with him to talk about the airport’s the long-term goals, which include having a full-time mechanic on site. Hovey, mechanic and owner of Hovey’s Aviation can only offer part-time services.  Board members also pre-approved a price increase for 100 Low

Lead fuel from $5.15 to $5.22 once 4,815 gallons are left.  Bergstrom said he started discussions with Flight Training Academy in Indianapolis, a company that trains pilots for Republic Airways. Bergstrom reached out to see if they would be interested in making Armstrong Airport a fuel stop airport for cross country flight trainings. “They immediately said yes and asked about a fuel discount,” Bergstrom said. Bergstrom said they were looking to buy 100 gallons a month. Bergstrom said he was looking at a roughly 5 percent discount after the first 100 gallons.

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