Committee accepts FAA grant for Dunkirk Airport gate design; airport manager outlines upgrades and air-service efforts

The Chautauqua County Public Facilities Committee on July 14 voted to accept federal funds to pay for the design of three upgraded security gates at the Dunkirk Airport and heard an operational update from airport manager John McNamara about projects and outreach at both the Dunkirk and Jamestown airports.

The committee approved a resolution to accept federal funding covering most of the $50,005.38 contract for design work, with a local share McNamara said amounted to $12.64. “It’s 3 gates upgraded at Dunkirk Airport. And as you can see, total total project for the design is $50,005.38 with the local share of $12.64,” McNamara said during the meeting. Committee members signaled unanimous support before carrying the resolution.

Why it matters: the design contract moves the county past an initial bidding problem on a larger design-and-build procurement. McNamara told the committee that earlier bids for combined design-and-construction came in higher than expected and the county is instead proceeding with a design-only contract to rebid construction later. The committee’s acceptance unlocks federal funding now for the design phase and preserves the county’s eligibility for a larger share of federal support in the FY2025–FY2026 funding cycle.

Key facts and discussion - Funding and share: McNamara said the current federal/state/local split for this project is about 95% federal, 2.5% state and 2.5% local; committee members noted the higher federal share is a result of legislation covering FY2025 and FY2026. “So this this year, we we're actually at 95% this year and next,” McNamara said. - Reason for design-only contract: McNamara told the committee that the county “didn’t receive as many bids as we would like to have seen. And what we did receive, we thought was higher than we'd like to pay. So, we're going back ... this time, just in the design phase for the gates.” - Next steps and timing: McNamara said the design will be completed and submitted to the FAA Airport District Office (ADO) for review; he estimated the FAA review would be submitted in December and, if approved, construction could be scheduled as a fall 2027 project. He cautioned that construction timing depends on FAA approval and future bidding results. - Vote: the committee voted to adopt the resolution accepting the funds; the meeting record shows members responded “Aye,” and the chair declared the motion carried. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally.

Airport operations and other projects discussed McNamara gave a broad operational update covering volume, inspections, facilities and business development at both Jamestown and Dunkirk airports. He said airport fuel flowage and arrivals/departures were up compared with the prior year—particularly at Jamestown—and reported increased corporate jet traffic.

Regulatory inspection and compliance: McNamara said the airports recently completed a Federal Aviation Administration regulatory compliance inspection under Part 139. The FAA team completed a nighttime and daytime inspection, reviewed training records and accepted a revision to the airport certification manual. McNamara said the FAA found only minor corrective items—some lights and paint—that the airport is addressing.

Terminal and tenant updates: McNamara reported the Jamestown terminal interior design work was roughly 30% complete, with final design targeted by year-end and potential construction bidding in early 2026 if funding and approvals align. He said the terminal work would be cosmetic and interior reconfiguration within the existing passenger footprint (restrooms, lighting, ceiling tiles), not structural changes. On tenant matters, the county expects a decision within one to two weeks on offers for a former Luscombe hangar, and the airport has received preliminary interest in a restaurant space with staff aiming for an application/RFP cycle that could put a vendor in place in September or October if competitive interest continues.

Air service and business development: McNamara said Central Air Service has an application pending with the U.S. Department of Transportation for scheduled air service; the DOT has requested additional information but the application remains under consideration. Committee members asked whether FedEx or other cargo operators use the airport; McNamara said FedEx has used the field in the past with smaller, cargo-capable propeller aircraft but that current routing is primarily by ground to nearby hubs.

Events and community outreach: McNamara highlighted upcoming and planned events including a flying breakfast, a Sept. 27 “5K on the field” stopout event, and early planning for a potential 2027 air show. He also publicly recognized airport staff—including assistant manager Brian Bates and administrative aide Mickey Adams—for managing operations through a recent transition.

What the committee asked for and outstanding details Committee members pressed for more long-range planning and a clearer vision for the airports. One member said the county has produced multiple studies over the years but asked for an actionable plan showing where the airports should be in one and five years; McNamara agreed to follow up and invited further staff briefings and facility tours. Committee members also asked McNamara to follow up with an estimated construction cost for the gates once design options and expected bid climate are clearer.

Closing: after discussion and the vote to accept the design funds, the committee adjourned.