Public Service Committee backs application for ODOT grant to rehab Akron Fulton Airport facilities

The Public Service Committee approved legislation authorizing the director of public service or his designee to apply for, accept and expend an Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) grant for rehabilitation work at Akron Fulton Airport.

Chris Bridal, director of public service, told the committee the city is applying for three projects under a single grant application: removal (decoupling) of Taxiway B (an old, unimproved taxiway on the south end of the airport), replacement of pavement markings on the main runway (Runway 7/25), and a mill-and-fill overlay to rehab the apron east of the main gate. Bridal estimated the Taxiway B removal at about $388,000 and said the total grant request would be roughly $1.2 million to $1.3 million; if all projects are funded the city’s cost-share would be about $68,000. Bridal said ODOT grants for these FAA projects carry a 95.5% funding share for the city’s eligible expenses.

Council members asked operational questions during the discussion. One member raised concerns about orange-and-white light marker poles near a flight path; Bridal said the airport and its fixed-base operator have engaged an electrician and contractor to repair lights. Committee members also discussed that runway 7/19 (an earlier designation) has been decoupled and that removing the taxiway opens some adjacent areas for development subject to height restrictions.

The committee moved the legislation by consent after a motion and second; the chair called the vote and the item advanced to council for final action.