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Airport long‑term plan centers on 5‑bay box hangar; state grant will cover only part of grading
Summary
Staff presented a long‑term plan that shifts proposed box hangars to align with the airport layout plan and said a state grant application will fund grading only to the hanger edge; larger grading work is deferred pending restoration of NIPIUS funds and community interest will be tracked to support grant applications.
Moderator (Speaker 2) opened a long‑term planning discussion and Alexa reviewed a revised layout that places proposed five‑bay box hangars north to align with the Airport Layout Plan (ALP). "Wemoved everything to the north... This lines up with our ALP," Alexa said, explaining the change avoids altering the profile of the existing taxiway.
Alexa said the state grant application will cover grading only to the edge of the proposed hanger and that larger grading work has been scaled back while the airport waits for NIPIUS funds to be allocated again. "Our state grant application would only go to the edge of where his hanger would be," she said, and noted the team expects an announcement in August if the timeline follows historic patterns.
She estimated the box hanger and necessary pavement would occupy about 1.6 acres and warned implementing the hanger would require altering the lease now held by a farmer who uses that parcel. "We're looking at about 1.6 acres if we put in the box hanger and the pavement to get them to that box hanger from the apron," Alexa said.
Participants discussed options for private sale versus a city‑owned hangar, how far development can extend west, and the safety area and taxiway geometry that affect allowable aircraft sizes. Staff said widening the taxiway could accommodate larger aircraft but would affect adjacent hangars and require additional work and budget.
Speakers urged keeping a robust waiting list and records of community events to strengthen future grant applications. Alexa recommended documenting community activities and taking photos of events such as the planned September scouts session to show active airport use in discussions with FAA and the state. "Keep your waiting list up to date," she said.
On material reuse, Alexa said using a nearby high spot as fill depends on geotechnical testing to confirm the dirt is suitable for building roads and grading. Staff also noted survey work is available through an existing agreement with Manchester, which will help show future grades and feasibility for westward expansion.
Next procedural steps the group identified include monitoring the Iowa DOT grant announcement expected in August, recording interested buyers to support grant applications, and pursuing geotechnical testing before large grading work.
