Middleton airport commission delays $70,000 hangar economic study pending drainage findings

The Middleton Airport Commission voted to defer consideration of a proposed $70,000 hangar economic analysis until results from a drainage study are available, citing uncertainty about buildable sites and concern about the airport enterprise fund's capacity to absorb study costs.

The draft scope presented by consultant Evan Barrett proposed a study to develop buildable site layouts, cost estimates, financing options and a refined economic pro forma for potential hangar development. "This airport is particularly challenged in terms of available space for hangars," Barrett said, noting environmental and taxiway constraints and that the drainage study could materially change what is feasible.

Commissioners asked for more information on funding options discussed in the scope, including whether a tax-increment financing (TID) approach could be part of a broader strategy. Several commissioners urged caution about committing a sizable portion of the enterprise fund before the drainage study clarifies site feasibility and cost. One commissioner said the $70,000 request represents a noteworthy allocation of the fund balance and that council members are likely to ask for clearer return projections before approving spending.

Charles moved to defer further consideration of the hangar study until the drainage-study findings are available; a fellow commissioner seconded the motion. The commission carried the motion by voice vote and postponed action pending additional environmental and site information.

Next steps: staff will await delivery of the drainage study’s initial survey and findings, then the consultant will return with revised concepts and cost estimates for the commission to review. Any decision to fund the study ultimately would require city-council authorization and a clearer presentation of expected returns to the enterprise fund.