Newton airport readies for Runway 8/26 reconstruction, hangar repairs and marketing push

Airport Director Brian told the commission the Newton‑area airport manages roughly 800 acres, operates 85 T‑hanger leases with a waiting list and has a multi‑year capital program that includes a full reconstruction of Runway 8/26 expected in 2025.

"We are gonna...complete Runway 8 To 6 in construction full reconstruct in 2025," Brian said, adding the project will likely require a roughly 30‑day airport closure in mid‑October to early November because of how the runway intersections must be handled. He said the FAA grant is pending construction authorization, and that officials had explored alternatives to avoid a full closure but concluded a temporary closure was the only practical and financially justifiable option.

Brian reviewed storm damage from May 19 (hangar doors and tee‑hangars affected) and work that continues to finish repairs. He said the airport replaced aging infrastructure such as the beacon and a ground‑power unit, added pavement and signage work, and plans HVAC and electrical updates in tenant buildings.

On economics and development, the director said the Institute of Transportation Research and Education estimated the airport's economic impact at $187,467,072 in 2022 (up from $152,000,000 in 2016). He said Newton's geographic position near Wichita and growing regional demand make the airport attractive for corporate flight activity and that staff continue to market available hangar and building opportunities while recognizing that long‑term ground leases — but not land ownership — are typical for government‑operated airports.

Ending: The director said aging fuel tanks, above‑ground conversion planning and continuing FAA projects will be presented in future briefings; commissioners were told the airport has paid down most debt and now has more operational flexibility for tenant and capital needs.