Airport committee updates commissioners on runway repairs, lighting and hangar plans for Clare County Airport

Gabe, speaking for the airport committee, briefed the Clare County Board of Commissioners on a multi-part plan to maintain and improve Clare County Airport (80 Delta), outlining short-term repairs and longer-term goals to improve safety and attract more aviation activity.

Gabe said the main runway is 3,000 by 50 feet and was last paved in 1980; recent work included crack sealing and tree removal to meet state approach requirements. He identified nonstandard and deteriorated lighting that needs replacement and noted the airport has received more than 400 used lights donated by nearby airports, which reduces costs but requires new wiring and some technical assistance.

Other items discussed included gate improvements to permit farm equipment access, rehabilitation of a turf runway (soil samples and agronomic work needed), draft terminal-office completion plans, and adding hangar lots to reach the 10-aircraft threshold used for inclusion in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). Gabe asked the board to consider continuing the small-project funding next year—about $20,000—to address prioritized items such as lighting wire, gates and crack sealing.

Commissioners asked about reversionary deed language and whether there are NPIAS exemptions; Gabe said county staff and MDOT are reviewing deed language and he has contacted the congressman’s office about possible waiver or process to seek inclusion in NPIAS. The airport committee also has solicited an economic-impact assessment and discussed possible terminal site planning, but tabled a $4,000 design request pending further discussion.

Next steps: airport committee and staff will continue work on lighting wiring and priorities, pursue clarifications from MDOT on deed reversion and NPIAS requirements, and return with cost estimates for terminal completion and turf rehabilitation for board consideration.