Airport board: fuel-system delays, apron work and new tie‑downs but some services paused

Broadwater County Airport Board members were updated on multiple operational items, including a stalled fuel‑system upgrade, apron work and recently added aircraft tie‑downs.

Board members reported that the QTPOD fuel terminal hardware has been installed but the system cannot yet operate because the required network processor is not in place. The board said the county pursued several vendors; some quoted rates the board described as high and others were slow to respond. Wholesale fuel was reported at about $4.20 per gallon; since the last meeting the airport sold about 300 gallons and had roughly 7,300 gallons remaining in inventory. The board said retail fuel sales remain paused except for local staff sales until the network connection is complete.

The airport’s pavement project includes an expanded apron area intended to give sprayer and other operators more room. The project does not include a formal collection or containment point for potential agricultural fuel spillage, the board said; the apron edge will be oil‑sealed and operators will remain responsible for managing any spills. The board noted construction traffic will make the ramp and access area a construction zone for several months.

Airport staff reported installation of new tie‑downs for aircraft; ten tie‑down points were installed and are being finished and painted to improve visibility. Several hangar owners already moved aircraft to the new tie‑down area in anticipation of pavement work and temporary closures.

Officials said a planned mountain‑flying workshop and an early‑summer open house tied to the new runway were being postponed until next year because of timing and anticipated congestion at nearby airfields.

Airport manager Dwight Thompson, identified to the board during the meeting, told the board he had been working “a busy time out there,” and described staff efforts to add tie‑downs and support fuel sales when possible. Board members praised staff work and said they would continue to pursue a network processor and contracts needed to resume normal fuel operations.

The board also discussed minor operational suggestions raised by users — including possible alternate vehicle/trailer access routes to reduce heavy‑axle traffic on the ramp — and said staff would continue coordinating with contractors and engineers to protect the new pavement once construction is complete.

BOARD ACTIONS AND NEXT STEPS: The board said it will continue vendor negotiations and pursue a network processor that will work with the QTPOD module, follow up with pavement contractors about protective measures for new surfaces, and finish the tie‑down installations. No formal contract award or procurement decision was recorded during the meeting.