Fayette County airport unveils future improvement plans
DUNBAR TWP. — By 2032, it is anticipated that the Joseph A. Hardy/Connellsville Airport will increase the aviation takeoffs and landings by about 4,000 over the current air traffic numbers.
The growing number of airplanes and helicopters using the airport and the long-term needs to accommodate those using the facility were outlined for the public on Monday by the airport authority and its engineering firm Michael Baker Inc., of Pittsburgh.
The airport’s master plan initially adopted a decade ago must be updated by the authority to show its progress and needs, said Jennifer M. King, firm engineer.
“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a requirement that all publicly funded airports have to do a (20-year) master plan or update it as is being required of this airport,” she said. “It is a planning document that looks at where it is at right now, such as what is on the field, what their operations are and what aircraft is based here.”
King said to develop the long-range plan, engineers consider the surrounding areas, socio-economic information and how the airport is now being used to provide a framework to guide airport development that is cost-effective and satisfies aviation demand.
The process to develop the plan began in early 2012 with the engineering firm working closely with the local airport authority and in compliance with FAA and state Bureau of Aviation (BOA) requirements.
Three options were earlier presented to the board, with one alternative making no general improvements.
King said that the board preferred a second alternative that would extend one runway to a total length of 4,400 feet and extend a taxiway and other related improvements to accommodate larger aircraft.
Other improvements listed within the selected option is to construct additional T-hangers and corporate hangers, acquire property within the FAA runway protection zone that is not now owned by the airport authority, replace various lighting, upgrade fuel pump facility to 24-hour service and improve perimeter security.
While the third option is similar to the preferred option and less expensive, it would impact several neighboring properties, said King.
“It was not something the board wanted to do,” she said.
According to the cost estimates, the first option would have a price tag of about $2.5 million, with the second and third option costing about $23.3 and $16.7 million, respectively.
The amounts include construction and estimated property acquisition costs only, added King.
“There would be other costs associated with the construction,” she said, adding that the board would have to complete a cost/benefit analysis and environmental assessment to ensure that any money invested would have an overall benefit to the airport.
While the plans will be in place, the authority is not mandated to complete any of the projects other than those required by the FAA for compliance with safety guidelines.
King said that the large undertakings can be broken down into smaller projects that can be completed over a longer period of time.
In most cases, federal funding can be obtained for runway, taxiway and safety improvements. Typically, the FAA would defray 90 percent of the project cost with the state and local agency equally sharing the remaining 10 percent cost.
“Federal funding is not available for hangar construction or revenue-producing projects, but typically can be funded by the state with a 50 percent local match,” said King.
Last week, it was revealed that the county had received a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant that would be matched by 84 Lumber and Nemacolin Woodlands founder Joseph A. Hardy III to construct 40 corporate and smaller T-hangers at the local airport.
“This is an exciting time,” said Bill Gerke, chairman of the Fayette County Airport Authority, as he reviewed the various documents on display. “With the assistance of (Fayette County Commission Chairman Al) Ambrosini and the generous donation from Mr. Hardy, we now are in a position to improve our airport and economic development of the county.
“We must continue to move this airport forward.”
The master plan is available for public review at the airport terminal building Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Aug. 15.
Any comments regarding the plan are due to Michael Baker by Aug. 15.
Following the completion of the master plan narrative, the report will be reviewed by the BOA and FAA.