Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Airport topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Airport commission seeks long‑term funding, reports record activity and development interest
Summary
Airport leadership reported record operations, continued economic impact and active interest in airport land parcels, while noting near‑term needs (pavement, snow removal equipment, PFAS remediation) and that most airport projects are enterprise‑funded rather than property‑tax supported.
Brian Johnson, airport director, briefed the commissioners on Johnson County airport operations, capital needs and development prospects at New Century AirCenter and Executive Airport.
Johnson said the airport delivered a strong economic performance, citing an industry estimate of more than $1.1 billion in annual economic impact tied to airport activity and reported that New Century was second in the metro area for operations in the past year. He thanked the airport commission and staff for efficiency measures such as a vendor payment approval app, use of solar wind cones and bulk storage procurement savings for snow and ice materials and noted pilot testing of electric vehicles for ground use.
Johnson discussed two large land assets — 600 New Century Parkway and 561 Sumner Way — and said the airport has improved listing and marketing of those parcels and has engaged with the FAA to streamline land‑release processes for potential buyers and developers. He said there is ongoing interest and that separate parcel listings have increased market attention.
Capital priorities included runway and pavement repair, snow removal equipment, building repairs and PFAS remediation planning; Johnson said earlier actions to secure FAA and state grant funds for projects remain the primary funding mechanism for much airport capital, but the airport also requested funding authority for specific local portions of projects. He noted an increase in FAA cost‑share for some grants (95/5) compared with prior 90/10 splits, which can improve local leverage for projects.
Johnson told commissioners the airport’s enterprise fund model funds the majority of operations and capital activity and that, for 2026, the airport will rely on fund balance rather than additional property tax support for certain items. He also reported early planning for snow removal equipment buildings and said PFAS remediation work is underway in coordination with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Department of Defense for potential cost participation.
Ending: No formal action was taken. Commissioners thanked airport staff and asked for continued updates on parcel marketing and near‑term capital sequencing.
