Perry manager highlights water booster funding, airport hangars and dam access plan

During his remarks on June 15, the city manager told council that state support has cleared the way for funding the city’s planned water booster station and described that funding as a major development for local infrastructure. He also said airport hangars are near completion; a pending change order addresses drainage issues, and staff will update lease paperwork before marketing the hangars for tenants.

On transportation, staff said the Fur sidewalk project should be bid this month. The manager described planned coordination with Noble County to ensure residents maintain access when a dam closure restricts crossings; the suggested alternate route is Gunsmoke Road linking to 25th Street into Perry. He said jurisdiction for portions of the Perry Lake route is split between the city and county, and long-term paving will be a joint effort that may require budgeted capital funds.

The manager also reported that a five-mile main replacement project is roughly 75% complete and under budget; yard restoration is scheduled after project completion. A separate Sledgebox project is expected to begin preliminary work within 60–90 days.

Why it matters: The booster-station funds and water-main progress affect development capacity along the I-35 corridor and commercial customers, and the dam-access planning affects residents’ travel routes. Council discussion focused on coordination with the county, potential grant matches and timing to avoid major construction during the city’s celebration events.

Next steps: Staff will publish street-project maps on the city website, pursue grant opportunities for quiet-zone railroad improvements and return with draft lease documents for airport hangars.