Construction crews at Ohio University's Gordon K. Bush Airport have a lengthy to-do list after the Board of Trustees approved a four-part, $585,000 plan for renovations that could be completed by spring.
The Federal Aviation Administration is funding 95 percent of the construction costs through various grants. OU will be responsible for $29,250.
All these projects are bringing a number of improvements
said Ken Carley, director of Airport Operations. They'll make the airport safer and a little more modern.
The beacon, currently located on leased land south of the airport, will be relocated on the airport property. Beacons flash lights that help pilots locate the airport, according to the FAA.
Right now it's off our property but we're doing away with that tower and beacon and constructing a modernized and improved beacon Carley said. It will be great in the long run not just because of the increased safety
but also we won't be under a lease for that land.
The airport, 747 Columbia Road in Albany, also will install signs indicating the distance remaining on the runway and upgrade its Automated Weather Observing System. An outdated lighting aid on the runway also will be replaced, Carley said.
There's something going on here all the time
Carley said of the various projects in the works.
The airport is ditching its self-contained septic system and tying into Albany's sewer system for $416,000 ' an effort also funded through FAA grant money.
Next year, the airport hopes to break ground on a storage facility for its snow removal and maintenance equipment. OU funded the design and proposal of the building and will apply to the FAA for another grant. Carley estimated the cost of this project at $300,000 to $350,000.
Right now the airport doesn't have a building for that
Carley said. All equipment has to stay outside all the time. This heated building will protect the equipment and prolong their life.
The airport houses Bobcat Air, the university's Beechcraft King Air 350. The plane, purchased for $3.7 million in October 2003, is available to all university employees.
Carley welcomes the chance to focus on airport improvements instead of the negative publicity the airport recently incurred. In the spring, Tom Stellwag, former chief maintenance officer, resigned March 17 after pleading guilty to a charge of theft in office. He was accused of stealing $6,049 worth of airplane parts for personal use, according to an Oct. 25 Post article.
We've filled that position months ago and moved on
he said. There's really been no impact. We can get back to focusing on business and improving our facilities.
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Laura Bernheim
