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Airport manager outlines new runway-clearing fleet and plans to boost traffic
Summary
Airport staff briefed the council on recently acquired runway-clearing equipment, ADS‑B ground transceivers for safety, planned hangar construction and steps the airport is taking to increase business traffic and move toward self-sufficiency.
Randy, representing the county airport, told the Cal County Council on March 11 that the airport has added heavy-duty runway-clearing equipment and support vehicles intended to keep the field operational during winter storms and accommodate more general aviation traffic.
Randy described a new MB5 broom and plow that clears a 27-foot swath and a new fence/tractor and truck with integrated spreader capabilities. He said existing equipment — including an older truck nearing its sixth transmission — will be supplemented with a new truck and that the airport has a Bobcat for clearing around hangars.
For safety, Randy said ground vehicles now carry ADS‑B transceivers so aircraft can detect their position on cockpit displays and on GPS maps; he noted ADS‑B is not required on all aircraft. He described operational procedures during active snowfall and the FAA runway-clearing threshold that prompts pilot advisories when equipment is on the runway.
Randy discussed plans to expand business traffic: renaming the airport to improve alphabetical search placement, upgrading the website and marketing, advertising available fuel services, and preparing 70 acres of airport-owned property (with water, sewer and 440V electric) for potential development. He said three new hangars are expected to be completed by December and that some older hangars will be removed by January 2027.
On finances, Randy said the airport aims to be self-sufficient; current equipment purchases are funded from airport funds and not county general tax levies. He also noted a new maintenance contract with American Elevator and added that "Lunch on the Fly" service will begin in April, serving noon lunches at the terminal.
What’s next: airport staff will proceed with hangar construction and equipment maintenance contracts; the council heard the report and had no objections.
