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Committee approves five-year capital plans for Dunkirk and Jamestown airports and clears public hearing for proposed terminal restaurant
Summary
Members approved five-year capital improvement plans for Dunkirk and Jamestown airports, discussed FAA/state funding shares, prioritized runway and hangar projects, and authorized a public hearing on leasing restaurant space at Jamestown Airport to Archie's Airport Diner LLC.
The Chautauqua County Audit & Control Committee on Dec. 11 approved five‑year capital improvement plans for Dunkirk and Jamestown airports and authorized a public hearing on leasing restaurant space at Jamestown Airport to Archie's Airport Diner LLC.
John McNamara, airport manager, outlined Dunkirk’s 2026 plan, which includes structure removal, design work for rehabilitation of crosswind runway 13/31, north-side taxilane work and T‑hangar construction. He said 2026 projects are expected to be funded roughly 95% by the Federal Aviation Administration, 2.5% by New York State and 2.5% local share, with later years reverting to a 90/5/5 split. McNamara noted some projects are contingent on state grant awards and that terminal and hangar work requires independent fee assessments for projects over $100,000.
For Jamestown, McNamara described planned runway rehabilitation, terminal and restaurant renovations (windows, safety and grease trap upgrades), a new heating system for a large hangar adjacent to the terminal, and taxiway design/construction scheduled through 2030. The committee approved both CIP resolutions by voice vote.
On the Jamestown restaurant lease, the committee authorized a public hearing to consider an agreement with Archie's Airport Diner LLC, a locally based proprietor planning breakfast, lunch and grab‑and‑go service with limited dinner and special events. Members asked about the operator’s background, historic rent levels and utility responsibilities. McNamara said prior rent was around $900 monthly and that past tenants received rent credits for improvements; he acknowledged that cooking and heating (gas) use could materially increase utility costs for an operator and suggested a one‑year lease term to allow the partnership to prove viable.
The committee approved the public hearing authorization; staff said they will finalize lease terms and meter/utility arrangements before bringing a final lease back to the legislature.
