The Elkhart City Airport Board approved a FAA grant pre‑application to pursue navigation easements and other professional services aimed at restoring approach minimums for Runway 27.

Board members raised concerns about trees intruding into the Runway 27 approach surface. Paul, project staff, said two larger parcels account for most of the acreage (roughly 30 acres combined) and several smaller parcels form the balance. He explained the grant pre‑application is a placeholder to notify the FAA of the project and to secure funds for professional services (appraisals, review appraisals, title work, surveying and negotiation). Paul emphasized that the pre‑application does not obligate the city to buy land; the usual process is to secure an appraisal, determine easement value, and then negotiate with landowners. He also described the FAA's Part‑77 surface approach slope (50:1) as the basis for determining the vertical clearance to be controlled by navigation easements.

Paul said navigation easements would be perpetual and airport‑funded; owners sometimes opt to sell fee simple title instead of granting easements, in which case negotiations would address fee valuations. The board approved the pre‑application and instructed staff to scope professional services and continue discussions with landowners; Paul noted the FAA pre‑application is due by Dec. 1.

Next steps include prioritized negotiations with the two larger parcels on the runway centerline and continued coordination with city staff and counsel on appraisals and easement language.