Commission approves airport five-year plan, authorizes KDOT grant application and design contract for snow-equipment building

The Goodland City Commission approved the airport five-year capital improvement plan and authorized staff to apply for a Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Aviation grant to replace aging fuel tanks at the municipal airport. The commission also approved a design contract to build a snow-removal equipment (SRE) storage building.

Darren Neufeld of EVH Engineering told the commission the top-ranked project is to replace two underground fuel tanks (one Jet A and one 100 low-lead AvGas) with above-ground tanks and to install a 24-hour self-service AvGas fueling station. "So, basically, that way, anytime 24 hours a day, somebody needs the 100 low lead and smaller aircraft, they can fuel up on their own," Neufeld said.

Neufeld explained funding mechanics: Goodland is eligible for $150,000 per year in FAA entitlement funds (bankable up to four years) and the commission may also pursue KDOT Aviation grants, which typically match at 90/10. Applying for a KDOT grant could accelerate the fuel-tank replacement by about a year. Neufeld also described a long-term runway extension (about 1,300 feet) that remains contingent on FAA Technical Operations review and availability.

Commissioners moved to approve the five-year CIP list and authorized staff to submit a KDOT Aviation application. The commission then approved the EBH design contract for the SRE building, a structure Neufeld described as roughly 60 by 40 feet with minimal insulation and mechanical needs for equipment maintenance.

Next steps: if the KDOT application is successful this summer the fuel-tank replacement could be advanced into the near-term project schedule; design work for the SRE building will proceed to bid and federal grant submittal deadlines were noted by staff.