May 16, 2004 By Amy Karpinsky 3 min read

The new terminal project for the Connellsville Airport could be put out to bid soon. According to Joseph S. Grubbs of Michael Baker Corp., the plans are awaiting the state Department of Labor and Industry’s approval, which should come in three to six weeks.

Also, Grubbs said a permit relating to construction must be cleared and then the project will be ready to bid. He earlier said construction could begin in July.

A portion of a building that has been deemed historic, the former Taylor Craft building, is being used for part of the project, and Grubbs said a plaque denoting the building’s historic designation should be all the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission requires.

The new terminal building will include separate areas for airport offices, a general manager’s office and a reception area.

Speaking at the Fayette County Airport Authority’s recent work session, Grubbs also reported that the benefit cost analysis for the proposed runway extension should be sent to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) only after the master plan is approved. He said the analysis outlines the purpose of the extension project, which will extend the current runway length from 3,842 feet to 4,500 feet. He said once the FAA signs off on the document, the cost figures will be added.

Grubbs said information that the extension will bring in an additional 24 planes per year will be good to justify the extension.

Airport manager Sam Cortis reported that several tenants are behind in rent, and he notified them that if the rent is not paid up, they will be evicted. Solicitor Mark Morrison said that since the tenants are in monthly leases, it would be better to inform them that if the money is not paid, their leases will not be renewed. Authority chairman Fred K. Davis said he wants to take a strong stand on the issue.

On a question from authority member Jesse Wallace, Morrison said tenants can be locked out of their hangars if they don’t pay rent.

“If they don’t square them up, lock them out,” said board member Tim Mahoney.

Wallace reported that an agreement has been worked out with state Rep. Jim Shaner (D-Dunbar), who lives near airport property and whose property will be affected by a pipe replacement project.

Wallace said four issues were addressed: an agreement that the authority will replace Shaner’s patio if it is damaged; the authority will help pay to clean up the house, if needed, to get rid of excess dust because of the project; the authority will replace the driveway if it is damaged; and the water and sewer lines will not be damaged.

“There should be no holdups. We should be in good shape,” Wallace said.

Also, the authority received a letter from the Civil Air Patrol praising Mahoney for his role in lowering the monthly rent for the organization.

Cortis reported that one member of the group plans to do a beautification project at the airport as a part of his senior project.