Airport board looks for $2.7 million in fed grants

By DORIS COOK - Staff Writer
Star Beacon

September 08, 2008 11:11 pm

— DENMARK TOWNSHIP — Ashtabula County Airport Authority board is hoping to get a lump sum $2.7 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for 2009, said board president David Price.
Price said he and County Commissioner Joe Moroski reported Monday they made their request a week ago to FAA officials in Detroit.
“We talked to them (FAA) about trying to do all the runway repair projects at one time instead of piece meal. FAA officials, however, do not know how much money will be available next year,” Price said.
It all depends on the presidential election outcome plus the new Congress. The new players in Washington, Price said, could affect the FAA budget for 2009 and beyond..
During discussions, the board approved paying $441,000 received from the FAA directly to Koski Construction Co. It is for the work done by the contractor on the runway drainage project and repaving work completed recently. Another $150,000 is still owed to the contractor, officials said.
The board also accepted a donation of a used 2002 Blazer from Price to be used as a crew vehicle for the airport staff.
Price said he wanted to donate the car for use by the two airport employees. They have to drive their private vehicles for business.
The board tabled accepting any bid for buying jet and regular aircraft fuel after getting two proposals from Air BP of Toledo and Arrow Energy based in Saline, Mich.
In addition, the board decided to begin advertising hangars available for rent. Four are in the new section buildings and five are open in the older section hangar spaces.
Price said there have been a few inquiries of late of what rental space is available at the county airport.