(Posted April 15, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The Madison County Airport expects to start installation of a new 10-bay T-hangar by the end of this month.
Susan Ballard, airport authority board treasurer, said the hangar components are built and ready for delivery once a solid base is established.
The total cost of the project is about $780,000. The primary funding source is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which grants the airport $150,000 per year for improvements. The airport has built up a reserve of over $490,000 in FAA funds.
Last fall, the Madison County commis-sioners agreed to float the airport the difference in the overall project cost until further FAA reimbursements come through over the next couple of years.
The airport generates revenues in two ways—fuel sales and hangar rentals. Added hangar space will attract more rental customers who will in turn buy fuel.
“We do have a waiting list for the new hangar,” Ballard said in an update to the Madison County commissioners on April 11.
The airport authority board also plans to add doors to some of the existing open hangars. This will provide customers with added protection for their planes, as well as allow the airport to charge more for the space. Other repairs around the facility also are in the works.
“Our goal is to continue to improve (the airport),” Ballard said.
“I think you guys are making great choices,” said Commissioner David Dhume.
Beehive at the airport
Ballard requested and received permis-sion from the commissioners for placement of a beehive on the airport property.
“It’s an unusual idea, so we wanted to run it by the commissioners,” she said.
Tim Mead, a certified beekeeper and former airport authority board member, will install one hive on the eastside of the main hangar.
John Duhl, the airport manager, and a board member recently attended a seminar promoting incorporation of “green” practices at airports. While they were interested primarily in solar panels, they also came across the beehive idea. It’s a small way to use airport property to enhance the environment.
“I think everyone understands that bees are vital,” Ballard said.
The Madison County Airport is located at 1281 U.S. Route 40 SW, London. Hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call John Duhl, airport manager, at (740) 852-5040.
