FAA advertises 315-acre land release; commissioners say airport master plan update on track for November
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Summary
County officials reported that the Federal Aviation Administration has advertised the release of 3.15 acres of aeronautical land to the county and that the airport master plan update — required before major non-aeronautical development — is scheduled for completion by Nov. 1, 2025.
Lorain County officials told the Board of Commissioners on July 15 that the Federal Aviation Administration has published a federal-register notice to release roughly 3.15 acres of aeronautical land, clearing a step needed before the county can use the parcel for non-airport economic development such as a mega-site.
An airport official said the FAA’s notice begins a 30-day process after which the land could be released to the county. The official reminded commissioners that any proceeds from sale or lease of released airport property must be reinvested into the airport, a federal requirement tied to past airport grant assurances.
Master plan update and timing: County staff reported the airport master plan update — which must be completed before certain development decisions — remains on schedule and that the FAA has already approved the forecast portion of the plan. Staff said the full master plan update is expected to be complete and presentable to the board by Nov. 1, 2025.
Community and planning outreach: Officials described a New Russia Township planning group meeting that included township officials, farmers and other local stakeholders; the county said the township’s planner from Columbus welcomed proactive engagement and commended local officials for preparing zoning and planning ahead of potential county-initiated development.
Why it matters: A federal land release and an updated master plan are prerequisites to repurposing specific airport parcels for non-aeronautical uses. The county indicated it retains about 650 acres for airport use and expansion after the release, preserving capacity for future aviation needs.
Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the update; staff said they will continue coordination with FAA and township planners and will present the master plan update in the fall for board consideration.