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Mount Airy–Surry County Airport reports rising activity; authority accepts federal terminal award and approves retainage release
Summary
Airport staff told the Airport Authority that operations and fuel sales have risen markedly after the new terminal, flight school and restaurant opened. The authority accepted a $354,672 AIG award (5% local match), approved an audit contract and moved to release contractor retainage.
The Mount Airy–Surry County Airport Authority heard an update May 18 showing operations and fuel sales climbing after the new terminal, flight school and restaurant began operating.
Airport Director George Crater reported strong recent fuel volumes—year‑to‑date fuel sales and operations have increased substantially compared with last year—and attributed the rise to new amenities including a restaurant and flight school. Crater said the airport sold roughly 228,718 gallons in the March‑to‑May span cited in his report and reported year‑to‑date fuel sales up from about 39,000 gallons last year to roughly 51,000 gallons so far in 2026. He also said operations have increased from about 1,587 events in 2025 to 3,736 year‑to‑date in 2026.
The authority approved a $14,900 audit contract and moved to release contract retainage for the terminal project after staff inspections and follow‑ups; board members said remaining issues were minor and recommended paying the contractor. The airport also accepted a federal AIG award of $354,672 for the terminal project, with a required local match of 5%, and approved exterior signage proposals (revised quote ~$24,482).
Airport staff asked the board to allow payment of long‑held invoices tied to the grant award; staff and the consultant clarified those were previously approved work authorizations, not new commitments. The authority scheduled a budget hearing for June 1 and will return with further operations details.
