Jasper County reviews five-year capital plan for Ridgeland Claudine Airport; projects include helipad, taxiway work and new hangars

Leonard Sansone, introduced in the meeting as the interim airport manager, told the Jasper County Council the county submitted a five‑year capital improvement plan (CIP) to the Federal Aviation Administration and that the document in the council packet matches what was sent to the FAA.

"This is all tentative based off the FAA agreeing with us," Sansone said, adding that the plan is designed to use FAA entitlement funds where possible.

The most immediate items targeted for 2026 are an emergency generator, widening narrow sections of taxiway to standard widths and constructing a marked, lighted helipad intended primarily for Life Flight and other emergency responders. Sansone estimated the 2026 projects at about $495,000 and said the FAA would cover most of the cost; he told the council the state contribution would be $12,000. He said he aims to avoid requesting general‑fund support unless necessary.

Councillors pressed on how the project would benefit taxpayers. "My only concern about all of this… is that what does the taxpayer get out of it?" one council member asked. Sansone responded that new long‑term land leases — including a proposed 40‑year lease with a reversion clause — and increased fuel sales from tenants are expected to generate revenue for the county, and that some lease agreements could include profit‑sharing elements.

For 2027, Sansone described a plan to extend Taxiway Bravo and install an apron/ramp to support new development: a private developer is negotiating to build six 6,000–7,200 square‑foot hangars around the ramp. Under the current proposal, the county would complete site development while the developer funds building construction. Sansone said negotiations about lease terms and contract length remain in progress and that no written agreement exists yet.

Council members asked whether runway extension is required for the development; Sansone said the hangars and ramp can proceed independently of any runway extension, though a longer runway would be beneficial for some types of aircraft.

On financing, Sansone repeated that FAA entitlement funds are available only if used and that the agency wants to see a five‑year outlook; he noted the county can update the CIP in future years. Several council members asked Sansone to provide a project timeline or Gantt chart showing anticipated start and finish dates; Sansone agreed to supply that in follow‑up materials and said he is developing a separate strategic business plan that would address making the airport an enterprise fund once self‑sufficiency thresholds are met.

No formal action or appropriation was taken at the workshop. The presentation was informational; the council requested further information, a timeline, and additional workshops to refine contract terms and financial projections.

The council will review follow‑up materials in upcoming meetings and has not scheduled a formal vote on the proposed projects.