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Airport authority advances Customs facility to 30% design as municipalities weigh operating costs
Summary
The Hamilton County airport authority advanced a planned Customs and Border Protection facility into the 30% design phase and continues outreach to neighboring municipalities for construction and operating funding; staff said CBP reviewed and approved the plan for a 3,000‑square‑foot footprint.
The Hamilton County Airport Authority moved the planned Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility forward toward the 30% design stage after staff presented an architect-approved plan within the 3,000-square-foot footprint assigned for the project. Airport staff said they have the basic layout agreed with CBP and will seek a formal scope and fee for 30% design at the authority’s January meeting.
The board was told the plan includes pre‑processing, primary processing, a post‑processing area and a separate entrance that could serve as a Global Entry application area if CBP confirms that service. Staff said CBP reviewers provided positive feedback on the layout but have not committed to providing Global Entry services.
Fundraising and operating-cost arrangements remain unresolved. Staff said they have held funding conversations with Boone County, Westfield, Zionsville, Lebanon and Hamilton County and are pursuing a funding split for construction and recurring personnel costs. One board member who raised the staffing question suggested personnel costs could be on the order of $200,000 annually, with total operating estimates discussed around $400,000; staff characterized those figures as ballpark estimates pending final design and partner commitments.
Officials emphasized that the authority does not yet have all partner signatures needed to rely on outside municipalities for operating funding. Legal counsel and commissioners asked staff to clarify the point at which interior build-out funds and ongoing operating costs transfer from developer/partner commitments to formal agreements. Several members said they expect interlocal agreements or signed commitments before authorizing construction procurement that depends on partner contributions.
Next steps: staff said it will present the 30% design scope and fee for board consideration in January so the design process can begin, assuming funding commitments and intergovernmental agreements proceed.
The authority also continues parallel work on runway and taxiway projects and on securing FAA grant reimbursements tied to other airfield improvements.
