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Barry County OKs $12,375 MDOT grant to buy airport broom after manager outlines AWAS funding, growth
Summary
The Barry County Board of Commissioners authorized acceptance of $12,375 from MDOT to buy a hydraulic broom attachment for runway maintenance and heard an airport update emphasizing recent AWAS funding, taxi-lane repairs and local economic activity tied to aviation and drone manufacturers.
The Barry County Board of Commissioners on July 14 authorized acceptance of $12,375 from the Michigan Department of Transportation to purchase a hydraulic rotary broom attachment for airport runway and taxiway maintenance.
Gino, the airport manager and a contractor who gave the board the annual report, told commissioners the broom will clear contaminants left behind during plowing and improve runway safety. "Just a quarter inch of snow ... will keep a jet from taking off," he said, explaining the broom will sweep surfaces down to pavement without damaging crack seal treatments.
Gino also told the board the airport’s AWAS (automated weather observation service) project received funding; he said that will provide local, real-time weather data and reduce diversions by allowing safer approaches in marginal conditions. In his presentation he cited about 16,047 annual operations, 95 assigned aircraft, more than 48,000 gallons of fuel sold last year, 419 business flights to 138 destinations and roughly $556,000 in combined sales and income tax revenue tied to airport activity.
Commissioners praised the airport’s progress and outreach, noting career-technical education partnerships and interest from drone and aerospace manufacturers. The board moved to accept the MDOT funds and authorize purchase of the broom; the motion passed by roll call (one absence noted).
The broom purchase was presented as a state grant-funded, nonstandard allocation of funds the state distributes from previously unused federal terminal-building dollars. Gino said the broom is intended to reduce winter closures (he said the airport was closed seven days last winter) and help secure future federal funding.
The board approved the request and the airport manager thanked commissioners for their support. The matter is expected to proceed to the purchase and deployment phase; the airport indicated further updates will be provided at future meetings.
