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County approves about $1.06 million in FAA grants for runway and lighting upgrades at Norwalk airport
Summary
The Board approved two FAA awards totaling $1,057,694 for runway and airfield electrical work; county engineer and airport project engineer described expected LED utility savings, beacon relocation behind the FBO, and next steps toward contracting and pavement planning.
The Huron County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 21 authorized execution of two Federal Aviation Administration grants totaling $1,057,694 to upgrade airport lighting and electrical infrastructure. The Board approved a FY2025 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant of $698,518 for runway 10/28 lighting and taxiway C lighting construction and a BIL-AIG award of $359,176 for reconstruction of the airfield electrical vault, beacon and wind cone.
Patrick Schwan, the engineer on the project, told the Board the combined federal funding will be used to replace airfield lighting, construct a new vault and relocate the beacon behind the FBO office building; he said switching to LEDs should reduce utility costs. Schwan also said a pavement condition report completed in July is guiding discussions with the FAA about whether the next project will be rehabilitation or reconstruction of runway pavement, and that planning meetings are expected this fall. He said some past airport projects have been fully funded by grants and noted the state may have additional aviation funds available.
Schwan confirmed that, once grant agreements are fully executed, the Airport Authority and county can contract with the selected contractor (identified in the minutes as Jess Howard) and that construction is expected to occur in the following year. He also announced an airport Open House scheduled for Sept. 20 featuring some aircraft offering rides; he said he would provide the Board with event times and a flyer. Commissioner Harry Brady asked about beacon relocation; Schwan confirmed the new beacon site will be behind the FBO office.
The Board recorded the roll-call approval on Resolution 25-245; Commissioners Brady, Dunlap and Mesenburg voted aye.
Next steps include executing grant agreements on file with the county and advancing contractor selection and construction scheduling. Planning meetings on pavement rehabilitation vs. reconstruction are expected this fall and will be shared with the Board when dates are available.
