Taunton airport updates aeronautical study, grant applications and finances; new mower grant approved

Taunton Municipal Airport officials told the Airport Commission May 28 that an aeronautical obstacle study has moved into public review and that several airport infrastructure projects are advancing under FAA and MassDOT grant applications.

Why it matters: The aeronautical study and related grant work address obstructions that can affect approach minimums and airport operations; the taxiway and fuel‑farm projects are part of multi‑agency permitting and grant steps required before construction.

Engineering and FAA review: ASG Engineering submitted a draft aeronautical study and obstacle action plan to the FAA on May 20, the engineer reported; FAA and MassDOT comments were due June 3. The draft includes mapped obstructions on the airfield and off‑site items that could take years to resolve because they may require additional legal steps and property actions. Commissioners were told some of the on‑airport items can be removed relatively quickly. The submission triggers a two‑phase review, the engineer said, and any FAA adjustments to approach procedures could temporarily affect instrument minimums until obstruction removals are complete.

Taxiway and fuel‑farm permitting: The airport has completed initial environmental notification and IFE paperwork for taxiway Alpha and submitted FAA and MassDOT grant applications; the MassDOT grant contract was expected in July. Work on the planned fuel farm has progressed through scoping and FAA grant application steps; the city’s engineering team awaits final agency comments before moving to bidding and permitting.

Equipment grant: The commission voted to accept a MassDOT grant to purchase a commercial zero‑turn mower to replace an aging unit purchased in 2005. The mower’s purchase price is approximately $25,800; MassDOT will provide roughly $20,000 and the airport will cover the remainder. The new machine is needed to maintain runways, taxiways and safety areas during the growing season.

Financial and operational metrics: Commissioners reviewed monthly and year‑to‑date financials for FY2025. Monthly cash flows reported in the packet included: February net positive cash flow of $12,801.30 (revenue $27,958.67; expenses $15,157.37); March net positive $11,390.84 (revenue $33,294.93; expenses $21,904.09); April net negative of $9,506.38 (revenue $39,294.19; expenses $48,854.57) driven largely by fuel purchases. Year to date the airport reported revenues of $348,486.48 and expenses of $299,407.35, a net positive of $49,079.13.

Fuel sales trends: Avgas sales reported by the airport finance coordinator were 1,720 gallons in January; 2,035 in February; 1,714 in March; and 2,530 in April. May to date was running higher with another weekend to report; staff attributed some of the increase to competitive pricing that draws transient pilots and to on‑field tenants taking more fuel.

Other items: The airport manager summarized routine maintenance and safety work, recent wetlands flagging and survey tasks, and an ELT activation that was resolved without incident. The engineering team will post the aeronautical study materials and FAA‑commented maps for public review once the FAA returns its comments. The commission set a future date (July 30) for its next regular meeting and asked staff to convene a working group to plan an airport community event to boost pilot and public engagement.

Ending: Commissioners accepted the engineer and financial reports and approved the mower grant, continuing multi‑agency permitting work on the taxiway and fuel‑farm projects during FAA and MassDOT review periods.