Springdale airport reports runway rehabilitation complete; tower work and master plan next

Springdale Airport staff told the commission on Aug. 21 that the FAA-funded runway rehabilitation is substantially complete, tower rehabilitation work is ongoing and a strategic master-plan process will begin with a visioning meeting Sept. 4. Greg (project lead) reported three active projects: runway rehabilitation (90/10 FAA-funded), tower rehabilitation and a new strategic/master plan. He said the runway work is substantially complete, with only punch-list items expected to require a few hours of closure for cleanup; FAA closeout and reimbursement are anticipated to take one to two months. He said the commission will schedule a 12-month maintenance walk with the contractor to confirm pavement markings and performance. On the tower rehabilitation, staff reported that most remaining tasks are delivery and installation of radio equipment and antennas; contractors will mobilize to finish the install and staff will coordinate priorities with the tower manager, including possible generator or HVAC work depending on remaining funds. On planning, staff said the airport commission previously approved a 50/50 funding split for a master plan and that the city council also approved the same funding share. The first public visioning session is planned for Sept. 4 and will identify stakeholders including city staff, airport management, the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and commission representatives. Operations and events updates: Daniel (Summit representative) said operations and fuel sales dipped in recent months but are beginning to recover; Avgas sales were up and the airport saw decreased activity attributed to vacation season. Summit staff reported planning for a Halloween event and discussed logistics, insurance through Titan Aviation Fuels' insurance arm and crowd/vehicle control plans; last year's car show drew an estimated 2,000 people and the event team hopes to attract about 3,000 for a future event. Staff also reported routine tenant- and rent-related follow-up: several late renters were contacted; roughly six through-the-fence tenants had outstanding payments and staff will follow up. Austin, the airport manager, is expected to return from leave next month. No new approvals were requested on these project items beyond the previously approved master-plan funding and the operational coordination described above.