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DeKalb staff to explore airport upgrades after NIU joins Mountain West Conference
Summary
City staff said Aug. 18 they will study options to enable larger charter aircraft at DeKalb Municipal Airport after Northern Illinois University’s move to the Mountain West Conference increases demand for commercial-size charters.
City officials on Aug. 18 told the City Council and Financial Advisory Committee they will evaluate airport improvements that would allow larger charter aircraft to use DeKalb Municipal Airport, a move tied to Northern Illinois University’s upcoming membership in the Mountain West Conference.
City Manager Nicholas said NIU’s agreement with the Mountain West Conference becomes effective next year and that, if the university’s teams and fans are to travel by air, the airport will need some modifications. "We ought to see what we can do within the parameters that are allowed by the FAA," Nicholas said. He added that general aviation charters for sports teams already use the airport for aircraft with 30 passengers or fewer, and that larger aircraft carrying roughly 100–120 passengers would require different ground-side accommodations.
Nicholas said the runway length itself is adequate for larger craft but that additional taxiway and ramp/telescoping-jetbridge-style equipment and related terminal access improvements would likely be necessary. He asked staff in public works and the airport manager to survey peer airports and to compile options, including possible FAA-eligible funding or a consultant/lobbying approach to secure grants and agency support.
Council members asked about current airport revenue and capacity. Solomon Smith noted a recent refueling and asked what the city earns on fuel sales; staff replied revenues vary by fuel type and that capacity (tank size) is being reviewed to support larger traffic, with plans to add a larger Jet A tank in the coming year.
Nicholas said the city previously raised substantial federal and private funds in the 1990s and 2000s to expand runway and taxiway infrastructure and that a smaller, more targeted program might be possible now. He told council he will return with options and cost estimates for short-term fixes and longer-term upgrades.
No funding decisions were made at the meeting; staff will report back to council with options.
