Glide-slope commissioning, septic installation and AIP grant signings advance airport capital projects

Airport construction and grant activity advanced as the Hamilton County Airport Authority reviewed multiple capital projects and approved grant paperwork.

Glide slope and approach: Wilpert and airport staff reported the glide-slope tower and antennas are installed; ancillary equipment and maintenance platforms remain to be tied in before the Federal Aviation Administration can perform a ground inspection and FAA flight check. Wilpert said the ILS commissioning is expected late this month or in October, subject to the FAA schedule.

Septic and taxiway work: Contractors installed a 6,000-gallon septic tank during a scheduled overnight airport closure that included heavy equipment lifts; staff said the new tank will tie into the existing field and is expected to be operational by the end of the month. The taxiway-extension project is underway, with weekly coordination meetings and an on-schedule plan to complete major pavement and underdrain work by year-end.

AIP grants and funding coordination: Sam and Wilpert reported two Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant documents (project numbers referenced as 3-18-0103-38 and -39) that will reimburse eligible project costs, including lighting and taxiway rehab. The board authorized the president to ratify signatures on those grant agreements; roll-call votes recorded ayes from Bill Bier, Justin Clevenger, Bill Fry and Dave Richter.

Runway protection zone and other legal matters: Legal counsel asked for authority to move forward on negotiations related to the Runway Protection Zone; the board authorized counsel Michael to proceed as presented.

Why it matters: The ILS glide-slope, taxiway work and completed septic tank remove operational constraints and position the airport to complete major construction tasks this calendar year. Grant ratification enables reimbursement for eligible costs and clarifies funding paths.

Next steps: Wilpert and Sam will confirm FAA flight-check scheduling, finalize design documents where needed and submit final grant paperwork for execution and reimbursement.