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Council backs master plan and building studies for Presque Isle aerospace research park, approves $250,000 evaluation funding
Summary
Presque Isle City Council authorized FAA‑funded contracts to evaluate a large airport building, commission a park master plan and fund schematic design work for a 50,000‑sq‑ft aerospace development center as part of effort to build an aerospace research cluster at the airport.
Presque Isle — The City Council on Wednesday approved multiple actions to advance the proposed Presque Isle International Aerospace Research Park, authorizing engineering and planning work funded largely by FAA grants and COVID relief funds.
Airport director Scott Wwell outlined the vision for a 70‑acre research park at the airport that could eventually include up to 11 buildings and an estimated 400+ engineering and scientific jobs. Wwell said the city has secured a sizable Economic Development Administration grant and state aviation funds and is using FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and COVID relief reserve funds for initial planning and design.
Key council actions: - Building evaluation: The council authorized the city manager to award CNS the bid for evaluating Building 401 (the former International Paper building) for reuse in the aerospace park, not to exceed $250,000. FAA AIP funding is expected to cover 95% of the cost, with the airport passenger facility charge reserve covering the local 5% share. - Master plan: The council authorized up to $200,000 for a master plan to guide phased development of the park, again with FAA AIP covering up to 95% if eligible; if not AIP‑eligible, the city will use FAA COVID relief reserves. - Schematic design: The council approved $159,000 from FAA COVID relief funds for a schematic design of a proposed 50,000‑square‑foot aerospace development center (production facility/hangar/assembly space).
Vault Enterprises president Carl Huth addressed council about his company’s hypersonic flight test work, saying the area’s low population density and airport operations make Presque Isle attractive for flight testing and small‑satellite/hypersonic work. Wwell and Tom Powers (industrial park manager) emphasized the city’s ownership of airport land and the need for careful FAA coordination in leasing and long‑term site planning.
Councilors approved the measures by roll call votes; staff said most of the funding is federally supported and that local borrowing authority may be used for the city’s share, with repayment planned from future rental revenues.
Why it matters: Proponents say the park could bring high‑paying engineering jobs and new tax base without selling airport land; opponents or concerned residents may challenge reuse of existing airport buildings that currently house local storage or business uses.
Next steps: Staff will negotiate fees with consultants, submit AIP justification to FAA for funding approval and return with a negotiated contract and schedule; the park master‑planning process will invite stakeholder input.
