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Legislature green-lights FAA lease, design and construction funding to keep Jamestown and Dunkirk airports compliant
Summary
The Audit and Control Committee approved FAA lease renewal and acceptance of federal and state funds to design and construct airport apron, taxiway work and upgraded guidance signage; members questioned costs and long-term county exposure tied to federal grant conditions.
The Chautauqua County Audit and Control Committee approved a string of decisions to support airport infrastructure work at Jamestown and Dunkirk airports, including a 10-year lease renewal with the Federal Aviation Administration and acceptance of FAA/DOT funding for design and construction phases.
John Mackemer, Jamestown Airport manager, presented the measures. The committee approved a 10-year FAA lease for about 588 square feet of terminal space used by the FAA for navigation and communications equipment. The lease carries a flat $5,000 annual payment to the airport for the term beginning Oct. 1, 2025.
Mackemer also presented a $212,000 estimate for the design phase of reconstructing the Jamestown terminal apron. He said the airport’s 2019 pavement management study indicates marginal condition and that reconstruction will preserve Part 139 certification. The design estimate is funded 95% by federal dollars, with 2.5% state and 2.5% county shares.
The committee approved construction funding for 34 upgraded airfield guidance signs at Jamestown, which staff said will reduce maintenance and decrease energy use through LED fixtures. Members questioned per-sign costs; airport staff described installation costs (footings, wiring and electrical work) in addition to sign manufacture.
At Dunkirk, the committee accepted FAA/DOT funds for the design phase of rehabilitation of Taxiway A West (design estimate presented at $143,000). The committee also approved a design-phase project to identify and mitigate obstructions affecting Jamestown runway approach paths; staff said mitigation could include tree removal, lighting or other measures and that the scope requires careful study.
Discussion and concerns Some legislators pressed staff on vendor selection practices and the reasonableness of design estimates. One member asked why county-paid leases typically include year-over-year inflation adjustments while the FAA lease presented a flat rate; staff cited the FAA’s long-standing presence at the airport and negotiations history. Another legislator noted that accepting federal airport grants can obligate the county to maintain the airport for the useful life of the federally funded improvements.
Voting and next steps All airport-related resolutions passed by committee vote; several members asked for additional procurement and cost breakdowns during subsequent procurement phases. Airport staff said FAA review of design and bid documents is required and that procurement will proceed consistent with FAA grant rules.
The committee requested follow-up on design contracts, procurement results and an analysis of the county’s long-term net cost to operate the airports so that legislators have data on ongoing county obligations.
