Town Board approves $1.5 million in airport grant agreements

The Town Board of the Town of Malone on June 26 authorized Supervisor Andrea Stewart to sign three grant agreements for airport improvements that together total $1,503,464.

The board approved Resolution 160-2024 enabling the supervisor to sign a $364,598 grant agreement for Perimeter Fence Phase 1 Construction; Resolution 161-2024 permitting a $992,339 grant agreement for Taxiway "A" Construction; and Resolution 162-2024 authorizing a $146,527 grant agreement for Perimeter Fence Phase 2 Design. All three resolutions were adopted by a 4-0 vote. The motions were made and seconded as recorded in the minutes: Perimeter Fence Phase 1 (motion by Councilor Paul Walbridge, second by Councilor Jody Johnston), Taxiway "A" Construction (motion by Councilor Brian Taylor, second by Councilor Jody Johnston), and Perimeter Fence Phase 2 Design (motion by Councilor Paul Walbridge, second by Councilor Jody Johnston).

Supervisor Andrea Stewart said the board was granting permission for the supervisor to execute the agreements; the minutes do not include additional details of the grant sources, project timelines, or contractors. Bruce Burditt, the airport manager, was listed as present in the meeting attendance but did not offer a detailed presentation in the recorded minutes.

Why it matters: the approved agreements are intended to fund perimeter security fencing and taxiway construction at Malone Airport, projects that affect airport safety and operations and require coordination with state and federal aviation grant programs. The minutes do not specify grant program names beyond the term "grant agreement," nor do they list anticipated construction start or completion dates.

Next steps: the supervisor is permitted to sign the agreements; the minutes do not record a subsequent implementation timeline or required follow-up reporting to the board.