The Jackson County Transportation Committee used its November meeting to advance several routine but substantive items to the full board and to receive quarterly reports.

Airport and MDOT funding
Airport staff requested renewal of five private hangar ground leases for another 20 years; the committee forwarded the renewals with a recommendation of approval. Staff also presented Michigan Department of Transportation sponsor agreement 2026‑0038, a $297,972 award that includes an Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act local share of $283,073 and a state share of $14,899; staff said the MDOT funds will support terminal building rehabilitation including roof replacement, window and door replacement, restroom updates, new boilers and asbestos abatement. The committee moved to forward the MDOT sponsor agreement to the full board and approved it unanimously.

Ground lease for new hangar
Staff requested approval of a 20‑year ground lease for a new private hangar (Hangar 156‑A). Staff said the airport now has 61 privately owned hangars and 16 county‑owned hangars; the new lease would add approximately $2,200 a year in revenue and is being offered conditionally pending local township building and occupancy permits, soil‑erosion approvals and drain commission signoff.

Contracts, finances and reports
Jackson County Department of Transportation staff recommended a two‑year roadside mowing contract (with an optional one‑year extension) to QuickMow Inc. at a cost not to exceed $180,000 per year; the committee forwarded the contract and approved it. The JDOT financial report for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, reported an increase in the fund balance of about $3,300,000 and was received without objection. The committee also approved a one‑year farmland lease extension to Zachary Rapley and moved routine claims payment.

Road diet resolution
The committee also advanced Resolution 11‑25.31 expressing opposition to an East Michigan Avenue 'road diet' in parts of Blackman Township; Commissioner Snell said the township board opposes lane reductions and the resolution will go to MDOT for consideration as a local position.

What’s next
Most items were forwarded to the full board for final approval and will return on a subsequent county board agenda for final action.