Findlay Airport due for improvements

FINDLAY — Administrators for the city of Findlay want to pursue more grant money for runway rehabilitation at Findlay Airport, 1615 Gray St. Legislation authorizing a grant application to the Federal Aviation Administration was introduced to council at its regular meeting on April 2, and is up for its second reading at Tuesday's council meeting. Council meets in regular session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Findlay Municipal Building, 318 Dorney Plaza. All council meetings are open to the public and are livestreamed on the city's YouTube channel: Findlay Ohio. In a letter to council, dated March 26, Kalb said the grant is expected to pay 90% of the construction cost of the runway rehabilitation. The city would also pursue a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation Aviation Division for another 5% of the cost, leaving the city to cover the remaining 5% balance. In all, the Findlay Airport is set to receive about $6.2 million in improvements to its runways, with 95% of the bill expected to be paid by federal and state grants. During its regular meeting earlier this month, Findlay Council rushed through legislation appropriating $10,509 from an ODOT Aviation grant meant to cover 5% of the cost for additional improvements to the north apron of the Findlay Airport, leaving Findlay to pay a 5% match on that project, too. The reconstruction includes a reinforced concrete parking hardstand to accommodate larger aircraft, improved drainage and clear pavement markings. The improvements are needed to serve the mix of aircraft currently utilizing the airport. The total cost of the north apron project is about $2.3 million. This year's $30.4 million capital budget will once again rely heavily on grant funding. Grants are expected to cover about $11 million of the capital expenses in 2024, and are an important source of funding for the city. Last year, grant funding accounted for about $10.5 million of the city's $34.2 million capital plan.